Out of Savana La Mar, Jamaica, the original mighty Itals - Keith Porter, Ronnie Davis and Lloyd Rickets - will reunite for the first time in over 20 years to tour the U.S. Known for their tight harmonies and uplifting songs, these reggae ambassadors have been touring strongly since the early eighties without Lloyd, who was unable to obtain a visa until now. After many years on the road, the Itals are living examples of the “Rasta Philosophy” that brought them a Grammy nomination in 1987.
REVERBNATION :: MYSPACE
The Itals continue to champion the roots reggae sound they helped to create, beginning with Ina Dis Ya Time, one of the most enduring blueprints in Jamaica's musical history. The Itals are recognized as one of reggae's premier harmony trios, garnering international recognition that endures to this day. The idyllic seaside parish of Westmorland greatly influenced their laid-back singing style, and the righteous outlook on life often described in the Itals' music. In contrast to the violence and sexism that runs through much of dancehall's more recent tunes, the Itals' sound remains focused on positivity, love and harmony.
Following the release of the retrospective Ina Dis Ya Time on VP Records last winter, The Itals have come back strong with an all new set of uptempo tunes on Let Dem Talk, running the gamut from lovers rock to inspirational anthem, and featuring some of the finest studio musicians in Jamaica. The album opens with the ska-liciously tongue-in-cheek "It’s Not Easy," wherein lead singer Keith Porter confides he didn’t get his freedom today, he had to put it on layaway. "Who Reign" is vintage Itals, praising the Father inna stately style. The album’s title track states, “let dem talk, let dem scandal my name”, a topical number about the endless empty talk that fuels the nightly news as well as the neighborhood gossip pool.
Two Stingray Records’ dub rhythms are artfully adapted, first in "Chill Out," an atmospheric plea to stop the violence so prevalent in Jamaica and around the world today, and then "So Many Times" explores the search for true love and peace of mind, rendered with a healthy dose of Itals’ harmonies. The album’s first single, "My Way High Way," bounces along before snaring you with it’s catchy hook line, showcasing Mr. Porter’s smooth vocals. "There For Me" is an inspirational anthem crafted with strong vocal harmonies, while "Anything" is one of two tracks co-produced by Tad Dawkins, characterized by tight syncopated rhythms and heartfelt vocals.
Dawkins’ Hard Drugs rhythm reappears on "No Mercy," where those spine-tingling Itals harmonies take front stage again, urging the listener to “meekly wait and murmur not” while waiting for the meek to grow strong. "True Love" and "It’s You" are unabashed love songs, and don’t we all enjoy a good romantic story? This is lovers’ rock at its finest, with the emphasis on rock. Also rocking, "All Is Vanity" teaches the lesson that “the unexpected happens every day, even when you pray.” The album closes with a bouncing instrumental version of "It’s Not Easy," leaving the listener tapping a foot and humming along with the horn parts long after it ends.
