Lithium Magazine

Putumayo World Music

www.putamayo.com

By: Vickie Young

While we reflect on Bob Marley we frequently associate him with feelings of love, peace, human acceptance, and equality. In fact, we tend to reminisce of him on Caribbean vacations while partaking in the spirit of the islands, alongside a few tropical concoctions. Imagine for a moment the sounds of Bob with some African folk, kwela, jazz, and a twist of Hawaiian flavour. You now have the sounds of Putumayo’s new release “Tribute to a Reggae Legend”.

In celebration of Bob Marley’s would-be 65th birthday, Putumayo has created a multi-genre album featuring indigenous artists from around the world. It’s certainly no surprise that Bob’s powerful messages continue to span all ends of the globe.

This collection contains numerous favourites such as “Is This Love”, a classic serving of a Marley love song. The constant feel good vibe of this tune rings true amid Hawaiian instrumental blended with reggae, a sound known as “Jahwaiian” style. “One Love”, another popular ballad, summons us to search for ways of unifying people in a world filled with conflict. This cover was created by mixing street musicians and popular stars into giant global jams. The end result is an amazing cover highlighting the power of music to dissolve differences. A track that truly stands out is “No Woman No Cry”. This intense version was created by sufferers that experienced a real life Exodus as they fled war in their homeland. The musical group known as “Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars” succeed in maintaining the passion and purity of these lyrics in the unfortunate manner of a firsthand experience.

Putumayo creatively captures the powerful and universal impact of Bob Marley, with many favourites and five new exclusive recordings, culminating in a global celebration of one of the most important and influential artists of the modern era.