"Get Wiser Reviewed by PerformerMag.com
Posted September 13, 2006
Produced by SOJA and Jim Fox
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Jim Fox
Already established as a reggae power on the East Coast, Soldiers of Jah Army (SOJA) dont necessarily need a landmark recording to cement their place in the genre. But the Virginia-based quintet hammers the point home on Get Wiser, the bands third and most complete release to date. It is a brilliant, convincing collection of US reggae at its best.
Preaching awareness and begging for social consciousness in times of international turmoil, SOJA makes a strong political statement, challenging its audience to embrace clarity and wisdom in light of spoon-fed agendas and diversionary propaganda.
The seasoned vets gain instant credibility on the album by enlisting a whos who of reggae music as guest musicians, including the Wailers Junior Marvin on two tracks, Rare Essences Go-Go Mickey, and Misael Clemente of Puerto Ricos Gomba Jahbari. The 14 songs marry relaxed, roots-inspired songwriting with creative arrangements, rotating a variety of feature instruments from guitars to brass, woodwinds to percussion.
Vocalist Jacob Hemphills lyrics are enlightened and positive. Every tongue of everyone / Of every state in every land / Has everything to be thankful for, he chants graciously on the opener Open My Eyes.
SOJAs musicianship is beautiful and refined as the band slowly closes in on ten years together as a unit, enchanting fans with an array of hypnotizing island grooves and melodies.
Get Wiser writes the manual on how a band known almost exclusively for its live shows can make magic in the studio. With the help of soundman Jim Fox and drawing from years in the game, SOJA has crafted a reggae masterpiece raising the bar a few notches and packing some serious ammo for the road. (Innerloop Records)
By Peter Stewart of PerformerMag.com
