# Rootsman Review
U-Roy, the legendary Jamaican DJ and toaster, brings his iconic vocal style to this distinctive collaboration with French electronic producer François Kevorkian on the 2005 release Rootsman. U-Roy's influence on reggae and dancehall culture is immeasurable, having pioneered the art of DJ toasting in the 1970s and inspiring generations of artists. This project represents a fascinating intersection of traditional reggae vocals and contemporary electronic production, demonstrating U-Roy's willingness to explore new sonic territories later in his career.
Released on Deep Space Media as a 10-inch vinyl, Rootsman merges U-Roy's authentic roots reggae sensibility with Kevorkian's deep knowledge of dub techno and electronic music. The album consists of two extended tracks that showcase this unique partnership. The A-side, "Rootsman," stretches nearly seven minutes and features U-Roy's distinctive vocal delivery layered over hypnotic electronic textures and dub elements. The B-side, "Roots Dub," expands further at almost eight minutes, emphasizing the instrumental and production aspects while maintaining the reggae foundation.
The musical style blends classic dub production techniques, characterized by spacious arrangements and echo effects, with modern techno sensibilities. This creates an atmospheric soundscape that respects reggae traditions while embracing electronic experimentation. For vinyl collectors interested in genre-crossing collaborations and the evolution of reggae in contemporary music, Rootsman represents an intriguing artifact of early 2000s electronic music that honors its roots while pushing creative boundaries. The extended tracks are ideal for the contemplative nature of vinyl listening, rewarding patient collectors with immersive sonic experiences.
