It’s easy to discern why Gary “Nesta” Pine has been on the reggae scene since the late 80s. Unlike most present day artists, he’s got a bona fide sound in his band of Devon Bradshaw-Basil Cunningham, Ian Coleman/g, Courtney Diedrick/dr and Robbie Lynn-Tristan Richards-Cortney Edwards/key and the give a real feel to sweaty pieces like “The Herbs.” With added horns from Henley Douglas and Garret Savuluk, the team gets a great R&B lilt to “Pirates” “Natural High” and “Dancing In The Rain.” An acoustic “Justice” is a gentle rain, and Pine’s voice is as thick as Hibbert on earnest pieces like “Mr. Wallstreet” and the heartfelt “Woman Like You.” The neck will be bobbing on this one.
The California team of Nathan Arriola/g-uk-voc, Shaun Dubic/g-uk-voc, Tony Saenz/dr, Rob Eldon/key-pan-uk and Lewis Richards/g-uk form the band Fluid Foundation, which mixes reggae’d grooves with various world sounds and sensibilities. Classic Jamaican grooves mix with keyboards and earnest vocals on pieces like “”Take The Lead” and “Roll With Me,” while some extra electronics are infused on “Liquid Spacey” and “Times Trippin’ Dub.” Synthesized pan pipes adds textures to “Spin Me Round” and “Livin’ Carefree” with guests appearances by Kevin Offitzer, Pato Bangton and Micah Brown respectively. Upbeat and sincere lilts.
17th Street Records
www.fluidfoundation.com