Unification [Audio CD] Black Uhuru

This set debuts the fifth incarnation of the Grammy-winning group, assembled by reggae's indefatigable phoenix Duckie Simpson, Uhuru's founder and staunchly militant presence. Since Uhuru's second version--which featured Michael Rose's leads, the late Puma Jones and Simpson's harmonies, and Sly and Robbie's chugging rhythms--derailed from the fast lane to international rock & roll stardom, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Immediately upon winning back the rights to the Uhuru name from fourth lineup members Don Carlos and Garth Dennis, Simpson recruited new members Jennifer "Jenifah Nyah" Connally (a Jones look-alike) and lead vocalist O'Neill "Andrew Bees" Beckford. Though no breakthrough boomshots on the order of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" leap off the figurative turntable here, the many Uhuru fans of this world will be more than happy. Thanks to Duckie and a host of Jamaica's finest studio talents, that winning reggae-rock formula--blissfully aggressive lead tenor framed by intermingled soprano and bass harmonies--returns, in full effect. --Elena Oumano