MUSIC: CD REVIEWS - REGGAE

THE CHANTELLS AND FRIENDS: CHILDREN OF JAH (Blood and Fire)

This collection of tracks from 1977-79 by one of the best-ever Jamaican vocal groups, and their associates on Roy Francis's Phase 1 label, is short but very sweet. Recorded at Kingston's Channel One with backing by the Revolutionaries, including Sly Dunbar on drums and Vin Gordon on trombone, the music crackles with life. Although there are only three tracks by the Chantells, it's all good stuff in classic Seventies "roots" style.