Zap Pow - Zap Pow

Reggae With A Touch Of Soul, Please!

Reviewed by Seb on September 05, 2007

Many reggae fans may not know Zap Pow, apart from perhaps the international hit "This Is Reggae Music" available on countless compilations. Even so, you just have to take a look at the musicians present on this album, first released by Island Records by 1978, to be convinced that this band deserves a bit more attention. Zap Pow were the first band to include Beres Hammond as a continuous member, although he didn't belong to the original lineup. He went on to become a reggae superstar.

Dwight Pinkney tell us more in a Jamaica Gleaner News interview :
« Zap Pow grew until we were the highest-paid band in the land. As such, they had their choice of vocalists and "we went through quite a few". Among them were Bunny Rugs, now lead singer for Third World, and the deceased Jacob Miller, former lead singer for Inner Circle. The one who stayed the longest was Beres Hammond, our best vocalist, too. We were the first show band in Jamaica. Before that, all the bands were dance bands. We originate the concept that you can have your own self-contained band that put on a show. »

On this note, let's press the play button and wait with impatience for the first bars. You might be tempted to pass on the first song - because you already know by heart. Bob Marley once said that this first track 'This is Reggae Music' recorded in 1973, was one of his favorite reggae songs. Now that's quite some recommendation!

As soon as this compilation starts we are seduced by Beres Hammond's voice, without a doubt one of the most soulful voices that reggae has given to us. He could carry the weight of the songs by himself in spite of his young age but Zap Pow isn't short of backup for him. Madden and DaCosta come forward with impeccable horns and Pinkney shows he is ready for his future as one of the Roots Radics most eminent players. As for Marshall and Williams, they provide irreproachable drum & bass lines.

It's difficult to highlight some songs from this album. Some people will prefer the roots feeling of tracks such as 'Rootsman Reggae' or 'Let's Fall In Love' and others will prefer the songwriting quality of 'Some Sweet Day' or 'World'. Be that as it may, if you like Roots Reggae with a touch of Soul, this album is made for you.

Seb - Roots Archives, September 2007
Edited by Leggo Rocker