THE BEAT
Vol. 20, #5, 2001

There indeed are rare classics ranging from 1979-86, a golden era for Sugar Minott’s career. On “King of Kings,” the trumpet sounds and Zion’s gates open to the regal throne waiting for you to witness, on this 22-track album, how an entertainer is supposed to make you feel. When Sugar fantasizes about a better life for the world of sufferers on “What A Feeling,” he raises your awareness on the importance of giving thanks for your blessings. Unity is the theme on “The More We Are Together,” but romance becomes his focus over his sweetened tracks such as “Half A Love,” just pure syrup coming out your speakers. The dedications of kisses and flowers continue on “Give My Love to You,” while he’s trying to work matters of his relationship for the better on “Something Wrong.” Covering one of his favorite soul classics, “Mind Blowing Decisions,” this Heatwave smash doesn’t even lose the Afrosheen look it once had when Sugar grabs the microphone. If anything, like the following “So Much Trouble” he nibbles from Bob Marley, you can now skank and blow out your speakers all by your lonesome.

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REGGAE VIBES.COM
September 2001
by Teacher and Mr. T

The New York based label Easy Star Records has established itself as a major independent record label with its quality releases on several 7" singles and a batch of excellent albums. From their first release, the excellent compilation set "Easy Star Volume 1" to the awesome "All I Have Is Love" album, they have set a standard with highlights being the two Black Roots "Hidden Treasures" compilations and the 1979 Sugar Minott classic "Ghetto-ology + Dub".

"Rare Gems" is the fourth Black Roots release on Easy Star Records. The disc collects some 22 hard to find Sugar Minott classics from the period 1979 to 1986, many of which were never released outside Jamaica until now. At that time Sugar was at his peak as an artist and producer, recording not only roots tunes, but also sweet lovers rock flavored songs and stinging dancehall tunes. It's impossible to overstate his role in the history of reggae music and that fact makes this release ever more precious. Every aspect of his talent is revealed here and it's strange that it took so long releasing these songs for a wider audience.

What can we say about these songs? It's hard to give you standout tracks, because all of them are classics. From his moving rendention of the Motown classic My Whole World (Is Empty Without You), which he transforms from a love song to a wailing praising tune, to the Bob Marley influenced So Much Trouble, you're treated to A-Class reggae. The latter song is drawn from the 1984 Wackies album 'Wicked Ago Feel It' and is a true gem from Sugar's vaults. Send Come Call Me, also known as 'Mix Up', Do It Sweet and Gambling are wicked early 80s dancehall tunes. On the other hand he comes up with seductive lovers tunes such as Tears You Cry, What A Feeling, Give My Love To You and the killer tune Half A Love.

All tracks here are produced by Sugar himself and most of the songs are self penned tunes. He only used the best musicians available. Check out this list : Sly & Robbie, Leroy Wallace, Santa Davis, Style Scott, Flabba Holt, Elroy Bailey, Chinna Smith, Bingy Bunny, Dwight Pinkney, Jackie Mittoo, Steely, Robbie Lyn, Tony Asher, Touter Harvey, Skully Simms, Jah Bunny, Dean Fraser, Nambo and Chico Chin. The tracks were recorded and mixed at Channel One, Promotion Studios, East Street, King Tubby's and Wackies.

Full marks to Easy Star releasing "Rare Gems", which is a Sugar Minott compilation put together with care and craftmanship and is a joy from start to finish.

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REGGAE SOURCE
September 2001
by Rankin Mr. B.

Continuing their collaboration with the brilliant Sugar Minott, Easy Star records has released more gems from the sweetest sounding voice in Reggae. Appropriately titled Rare Gems, Sugar Minot and Easy Star has released 22 roots and cultural jewels from the man many say is the true King of Dancehall.

Captured from 1979 - 1986, these sessions showcase Sugar performing with some of JA’s finest musicians, Sly and Robbie, the late Jackie Mittoo, Roots Radics, The Aggrovators, Horsemouth Wallace, Flabba Holt, the late Bingy Bunny, Ansel Collins and Dean Fraser (just to name a few). In addition to the heavyweight line up of musicians, there are several cuts that have never been released outside of JA. This all adds up to a CD that should not be missed. His golden voice is as smooth as always and compelling, whether he takes a pop song (“The More We Are Together”) or when he is warning mankind that Jah is coming to pass judgment (“King of Kings”) Sugar can adapt lyrics to fit his musical that will hit your soul. There are many riddims from Studio One and lyrics from Rhythm and Blues songs ("My World End”) that you will no doubt recognize. But hearing Sugar singing on top of these riddims makes the song sound brand spanking new. This is a roots CD with no apology. The bass thumping along, the horn line blowing in and out and of course the great songwriting from Lincoln Minott.

I have far too many personal favorites from “Rare Gems,’ to even began to mention. Rare Gems shows a period of high creativity from a multi - talented singer, songwriter, and producer. Songs with a life message and sung with feeling. All on 22 blistering tracks, no fillers all thrillers you will enjoy...trust me.

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