Wisdom of Steel (Black Liberty, 2000)

Though not a household name, Englishman has been on the reggae scene since the '70s, recording 10 albums and establishing a respectful following, especially in the Washington, DC area, where he's largely based.  Having listened to the light modern roots of his collaboration with the Shango Band on Give Love, I was taken a bit off guard by the big-bass, dancehall edge of Wisdom of Steel.  Although the songs overall are just as good as those on Give Love, it takes a while to weed through the heavy, at times sterile music, which threatens to overpower the vocals.  This album is equal parts roots and dancehall, and while I generally prefer the former, I can't say that I didn't enjoy tracks like "We Need a Plan" and the hip-hop-rhythmed "Gon-Go-Walk."  Still, Englishman is most appealing when he kicks back and relaxes in a mellow roots harmony, as on "Joy," "Modern Day Slavery," "King and Commoner," and "Two Roast Fish and Corn," a soaring meld of old school roots and dancehall that recalls Half Pint's glory days.  It's not as consistent as I'd like, but Wisdom of Steel proves to be an effective showcase for Englishman to get wider exposure.