by Cornel Campbell Meets Soothsayers
On ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’ one of reggae music’s sweetest voices Cornel Campbell is joined by English band Soothsayers. This collaboration is the latest release from Strut, following previous pairings that have brought together Horace Andy and Ashley Beedle, as well as icons Sly and Robbie recording with Amp Fiddler.
Throughout the 12 tracks of ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’ we hear a musical positivity that sits perfectly under Campbell’s mellifluous, almost falsetto vocal stylings. The band plays it cool with mostly subtle grooves and a good helping of brass embellishment. In the production there’s also an openness that adds to the bright feel of this wonderful record, although at times the ubiquitous sounds of reverb and delay are variously applied to both voice and instrument.
With generous elements of Afrobeat and even a dose of mariachi horns here and there, this is an album that should have appeal both within and beyond the dub and reggae communities. As we struggle through another chilly Melbourne winter it’ll be good to have some reggae fire on the radio courtesy of Cornel Campbell and the Soothsayers.
by Owen McKern - PBS' Program Manager
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