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THE NEW NATION
April 2, 2001

Triston Palma is a seasoned roots singer/songwriter whose silky smooth voice has maintained its seductive sound. If you want to hear positive music, conscious lyrics and well-produced reggae beats, you should listen to this album.

Recorded in both Jamaica and America, Two Roads is a roots-based album that features the talents of one of Jamaica's many unsung heroes. Although Only Love and Ragga Salsa are also worth listening out for, the album's title track, Two Roads, is one of the best tunes on the 19-track album. This track features Palma at his best, delivering heartfelt and righteous messages to the people through the powerful medium of reggae music.

The solid rhythm tracks on Nah Give Up and Hatred In the Youths are brought to you courtesy of Sly and Robbie, while Benji Myaz and Dean Fraser also make contributions.

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THE WEEKLY STAR
January 4-10, 2001
by Anthony Turner

Veteran reggae crooner Triston Palma who bused on the scene in the early 80s with hard hitting cultural tunes like "Entertainment," "A-Class Girl," "Susan," "What A Bubbling" and "Splify Tale" is rearing to reclaim the spotlight again. And he could with his new Easy Star album titled "Two
Roads."

The 19-song soulful album which blends energetic roots riddims with strong pop sensibility is choke full of musical goodies. It features appearances by Norris Man and singer Glen Ricks and was recorded in Jamaica with the cream of Jamaica's best backing musicians including Sly & Robbie, the Roots Radics band, Dean Fraser, Steelie and Benjy Myaz. The album commences with the smooth "Nah Give Up." I really love this ditty. The production and delivery sounds crisp and is complimented with well thought out lyrics. "Mama," another choice cut on the disc exposes the sweet melodic voice of Palma. The rhythm on "Never Be Ungrateful" sounds familiar (the Dennis Brown's Silhouette rhythm comes to mind) but the lyrics are original and delivered with passion and nuff conviction. The title track "Two Roads" continues in the same groove as Palma ponders which of the two roads to trod. "The Struggle" is his token dancehall offering. This duet with the fast riding, hard-hitting vocal style of Norris Man provides a perfect contrast to his persuasive voice. On "Only Love" he croons a reggae ballad with Heather Cummings singing up a musical storm on background vocals. This is not a bad first effort but I would have opted not to include it here given the mood of the rest of the album.

Palma shows some versatility on the Latin flavored "Regga Salsa" before he returns to familiar grounds on "Show Some Love" and "My Heart Cries Out." So pick up on "Two Roads" this Christmas season. Overall the album is a great effort and the selections will no doubt enrapture fans--both old and the new ones alike.

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