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Is there a band whose name more clearly
identifies its sound than Jahcoustic? I mean, other than, say Funkadelic or Zamfir, Master of the Pan Flute? Jahcoustic was
perhaps a bit ahead of its time when it released this self-titled EP (4 vocal tracks, 4 dubs 4, alternate mixes), as Makasound's
acoustic "Inna de Yard" series would begin the following year. Jahcoustic uses more instruments and thus has a fuller
sound than that French series, but the band still sports an organic live-band stylee that's refreshingly simple, serene,
and rustic--like a trip to a secluded beach. Lead singer Mike Meyers' vocals are equally laid-back and downright Marley-esque
at times, particularly on the crown jewel of the EP, "BelievenJAH". The Marley similarities seem to be intentional,
as "BelievenJAH"'s lyrics include the words "misty morning" and the group even employs legendary producer/mixer
Karl Pitterson--who engineered Marley's EXODUS--to work on the album, but Jahcoustic doesn't feel derivative. They
take their cues from those who came before them, but they have forged their own unique sound: it's Jahcoustic! Greet with Fire
is a solid follow-up that delivers on the promise of Jahcoustic's debut, continuing the soothing, eclectic sound that
seemingly has found a way to cohesively blend reggae with country and folk. Karl Pitterson again lends his steady touch to
the production, helping to craft a professional end product. Despite the "Jah" in the band's name, the lyrical
content here isn't so obviously religious and lacks the standard reggae lexicon and iconography--thus lending a greater
universality that, combined with the inviting music, should appeal to a broad base of listeners. Highlight's include "Maintain,"
the seductive "J Groove" and the bluesy instrumental "Scary Dub Train." As this bands moniker makes clear, theirs is an "unplugged"-leaning sound. While drums and bass fulfill
their usual foundational role (though more in a hushed manner), most of the songs are shaped around acoustic guitars. Add
lead and harmony vocals that are low-key and a smattering of Nyabinghi drumming and small percussion, and you have reggae
music that's intimate and unpretentious like an impromptu session inna yard that someone just happened to record. What
saves it from sounding too off-the-cuff is that these guys show hunble, genuine expertise in crafting their reggae. Much of
the album is introspective in nature ("Imagination," "Reflection," "Eternal Vibration") fitting
warmly with the prevailing mellow glow puncuated by touches like the use of a melodica here and there. Greet With Fire is
a tasty respite from the fiery militancy of much roots reggae. Even when an electronic beat (ed note..there are no electronic
beats on ANY Jahcoustic songs and we plan on never having one-all live drums, all the time) is combined with the dominant
acoustic texture on the concluding "Scary Dub Train," there's a restraint that makes it work. I's like to
hear the band try out a few faster tempos and more extended arrangements, but the approach they've got going on here is
a quite a good one. Tom Orr www.getthebeat.com & www.reggaereviews.com Fans of Kaya-era Marley should enjoy Jahcoustic, a D.I.Y. project with a relaxed,
laid-back island in the sun feel (though in this case the sun rises in Kentucky where the perpetrators are based and sets
in Florida where it was recorded). Real drum and bass and pleasant slide-style guitar fills bed an eight song set of all-original
material cuts like "Feeling Good,"" Jah Believe," and "Standing On The Shore" with some Jahcoustic
dub cuts filling out the set. Best of all the recording has a warm, natural reel-to-reel feel with none of the gated reverb,
synthesized tones or processed studio effects that have become annoying ever-present. This is due in no small part to the
disc having been engineered and mixed by co-producer Karl Pitterson, whose name has long been associated with authentic Jamaican
quality at home and abroad. He brings out exactly the vibe Joe Jurgensen and his guitar and writing partner Mike Meyers intended
on this engaging work which also features Michael Ramsy (from the Burning Spears band) on drums and Keith Clementson on guitar.
From the heart and nicely put together. Chuck Foster The Beat Vol.22 #2, 2003 www.getthebeat.com Jahcoustic-Greet With Fire: As the
name implies, roots reggae played mostly unplugged, produced by veteran helmsman Karl Pitterson and sounding like some irie
vibes were involved all the way throughout. VERY NICE! Steve Heilig, The Beat Vol 25 #4, 2006 www.getthebeat.com JAHCOUSTIC- Captures an "unplugged" feel
on GREET WITH FIRE, their latest set of all-original material whose titles (like, "Midnight Sway", "J Groove"
and "Reflection") should give you a good idea of what they're up to. The "living room" feel is captured
in a Miami studio with the help of Karl Pitterson, who's had a hand in a lot of great reggae from Bob Marley forward and
his work with this band is a good fit. Relaxed arrangement with trap drums, bass, percussion, acoustic guitar (naturally)
and melodica and nice support harmonies flesh out songs without agenda. Non typical, unconstrained and unpretentious like
putting on "KAYA" in the morning and starting the day slow. CHUCK FOSTER: THE BEAT Magazine Volume 25, #3, 2006
 "I was playing your CD at dinner
the other night and Mary asked me who it was. I told her it was Jahcoustic and she replied "aah yes Jahcoustic, so nice." Roger Steffens www.reggaesupersite.com
"Jahcoustic goes great with the sun" +C, lyrical inspirator
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