Grammy award winning Jamaican reggae legend Burning Spear (real name Winston Rodney) has been producing roots reggae for more than three decades now. With more than 35 studio albums under his wing, Burning Spear is prolific to say the least, and he shows no signs of slowing down. On his newest album, "Freeman", Burning Spear continues to impress by newly capturing the essence of the reggae music to which he has devoted his life.When newbie reggae fans think of reggae, they usually assume Bob Marley is the embodiment of Jamaican roots music. Not to discredit Marley or his music, but veteran fans of the genre are just as likely to think of Burning Spear as an approximation of roots reggae, its sound, and for what it stands. It is fair to say that when most Americans think of reggae music, laid-back images float into their head as well as visions of ganja smoking Rastafarians complete with dreadlocks engulfing their heads. While the relaxing nature of reggae cannot be denied, it is also true that the soul of reggae music lies in protest against racism and against the urban poverty which plagues much of Jamaica.

These contrasting realities of reggae are incredibly apparent on "Freeman." While the rhythm and pulse of the album is suggestive of a day spent blazing up herb with some friends in a tropical locale, the lyrics of "Freeman" are politically charged and evoke memories of great political activists like Martin Luther King Jr. Nearly every song on the album features a political call to arms or an appeal for peace.
The song "They Can't" harkens back to the days when Jamaica was a slave colony that took a terrible toll of human lives, and also to current day race motivated violence when Burning Spear sings, "They can't kill us all/ They can't kill us all, hey/ Yes they always take too much, but not from themselves." Meanwhile, on the track "Rise Up," Burning Spear comments on the strength of Jamaican culture and its triumph over slavery, "We rise up from this little island, where reggae music spring from."

Burning Spear is joined on "Freeman" by reggae legends including "Horsemouth" Wallace, Chris Meredith, Pam Hall, and Lukie D., all who contribute to making the album an exemplary model of everything superior Jamaican roots music aims to be. Percussion that could only have originated on a small island in the Caribbean adds rhythmic weight to the album. Steel drums and congas slyly populate every song. Bob Marleyites will recognize and respond to the electric rock guitar sounds that are layered and warbled throughout.

Lending more credibility and strength to the album is the fact that it sounds as if it was produced in mid-20th century Jamaica, when roots reggae truly found its voice. On the track "Old School," Burning Spear freely admits to giving the album a vintage feel. Instead of feeling rehashed and fried like much modern-day "vintaged" music, the songs on "Freeman" are authentic sounding, possibly due to the fact that Burning Man was actually making music back in the era he so easily recalls. As genuine as some modern bands (The Strokes, The Jets, etc.) interpretations of 70's music may sound, they were mere babies when their influences were making waves. Burning Spear, on the hand was actually there living the moment.

"Music is an art. It makes people love," says Burning Spear in the song "Rock and Roll." "Freeman" is sure to be loved by anyone who values and appreciates classic roots reggae in its purest form. Fans of Sean Paul-type dance "reggae" music need not apply and should probably pass up "Freeman" so they can go purchase something more in their ballpark -- far less accomplished and less substantial music; R. Kelly anyone? "Freeman" stands as a true testament to reggae past and present. Fans of Bob Marley are eagerly encouraged to have a listen and to fall in love with another great reggae musician: Jah Rastifari.