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steveburnhamuk

Jah Wobble – Heaven & Earth (1996)

Updated: May 23




The number of Jah Wobble albums I own is easily into double figures, partly due to his prolific output, and also because there often seems to be the odd one in a charity shop.

And I do enjoy his work, having seen him (usually with the Invaders of the Heart) a few times.





This album, quite early in Wobble's solo career is far more instrumental than previous outings, with world influences used possibly more experimentally than previously.

Title track, Heaven And Earth is a Chinese influenced piece, which includes Zi Lan Liao, Wobble's wife. It's a relaxing listen and the fusion of Chinese instruments with Western works well. A Love Song features the vocal talents of Natacha Atlas, with a very North African feel to the song, and it's pleasant. Dying Over Europe is a short background electronic keyboard instrumental, followed by a couple of longer (over ten minutes) pieces.

Divine Mother is another restful piece carried along by a strong bassline, but it, too, is little more than background, while Gone To Croatan is possibly my favourite piece on the album, a beautifully slow, ambient piece, featuring Pharoah Sanders, firstly on flute, then soprano sax, all carried by Wobble's trademark bass. Hit Me also features Sanders, with a much more funky, lively tune. The final track is a tabla laden Asian song, Om Namah Shiva, again a pleasant listen, but not much more.


it's a good album - the variety of styles keeps the listener interested, and there are a couple of moments of absolute beauty (generally involving Pharoah Sanders)



3* - a solid enjoyable, varied album from Jah Wobble

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