Review

Though not as vocally distinctive as the Mighty Diamonds or the Gladiators, the Meditations were nonetheless one of the finest reggae harmony trios of the roots period, and Guidance brings together some of their best work, spanning the period 1975-1978. This was when the three singers were shuttling between Jamaica's premier studios and producers, recording with the likes of Sylvan Morris, Erroll Thomas, and Lee "Scratch" Perry at such A-list locations as Channel One, Treasure Isle, and Perry's notorious Black Ark. Guidance was actually the title of an album the group recorded in 1978; it was released in extremely limited editions in the U.S. and Jamaica and has not been available since. The nine songs from that album are all presented here, in surprisingly full and clear sound. The remainder of the program consists of a single side ("Justice") and four tracks from the classic Message From the Meditations ("Rome," "Changing of the Time," "Woman Piabba," and "There Must Be a First Time"). Highlights include the Lee Perry-produced gem "Life Is Not Easy" (which features a special appearance by the legendary Black Ark cow!) and the humorous "Woman Piabba." Highly recommended to all roots reggae lovers.