Gitta Dan

JaHServant and Friends



ALBUM DESCRIPTION



You may already know Denton Peschier (AKA Gitta Dan) as one-half of the premier gospel reggae dancehall duo "Tiko and Gitta". These two brought you Lion of Zion's critically acclaimed "Royal Priesthood" release in 2002. It has been two years since this dynamic duo parted ways to pursue separate ministries as solo artists. Don't view this split as a matter of division, but rather multiplication. Though it was tough at the time, when you look back it all makes sense. Both are currently leading successful music ministries with their tremendous talents and more fruitful than when they were together. With Tiko's debut release through Flow Masters still in the works at the time of this review, Gitta is the first out of the gate with "Reggaematic Worship", one of the most engaging albums that I have ever heard.



While a "rootsy mix of reggae and dancehall" may sound like a contradictory statement, on "Reggaematic Worship", Gitta has found a unique way to add a little dancehall flavor while maintaining an organic (and even sometimes acoustic) flavor to the often-digitized domain of dancehall.



Gitta is a man of many voices. He is a prolific songwriter with a knack for impersonations. While he has his own distinct sound, he often spices up his songs with dead-on imitations of the likes of Sizzla, Yami Bolo, Nicodemus and Buju Banton to name a few. He spits low gruff lyrics one minute, and then in the blink of an eye switches to falsetto shrills without missing a beat. Who needs a singing partner when you can sound like five different guys all by yourself without even breaking a sweat?



SONG-BY-SONG REVIEW:



This diverse album kicks off with a DJ Intro that sounds just like something that you would here pumpin' the woofers and tweeters on Trinidad's 96.1. But believe it or not, all of these voices (with the exception of the DJ) were performed by none other than Gitta Dan (even the Grandma)!



After a lengthy intro we take a "Deeper" look into the heart and soul of Denton with a stunning roots track. Over the remake of a classic Studio One Riddim Gitta flows with ease from singer to singjay and then boisterous dancehall deejay (using at least 6 different voices). This is like watching a chameleon change colors on beat--it is a magnificent experience!



After this, Denton gives God the praise and challenges us to be an "Overcomer" while riding another popular Jamaican riddim with a medium tempo bangara beat.

On this sizzling track he even yodels like the singing canary Mr. Barrington Levy. At the time of this writing this song was riding high as 1 on the month-end GospelReggae Radio charts!



Next up is "Catch It On Jah", another stellar singer/singjay and dancehall deejay combo. This time Denton spits out some of the fastest rapid-fire DJ vocals that I have ever heard--wow! Born Denton Peschier, Gitta Dan initially received his moniker because almost everywhere that he ventures on the humid tropical island of Trinidad he can be seen with a Guitar strapped to his back (or Gitta" as Trini's would say). After one listen to his acoustic performance of "Catch It On Jah", and I am sure you will agree that this is raw talent at its best! Check thought provoking lyrics:



"So rastaman dem better check it out, 'cau me know that Jesus Christ. the Man, the King of Kings that run the route--check it out! Selassie never walk 'pon water, (him) never heal no blind, (him) never raise no dead, (him) coulda never raise himself from the dead." (Catch It On Jah).



The fifth track on "Reggaematic Worship" is the Sizzla inspired "Wise Vibes". This song contains one of the catchiest hooks on an album that just keeps getting better and better with every tune. Gitta should have titled this album "The Element of Surprise" because he is full of them!



On track six Gitta reunites with his former partner Tiko Angelos for the "Free (Steppers Mix)"--once again adding variation to an already diverse album. After this Gitta proclaims that he will "Follow the King of Kings" over a slower paced roots riddim.



Track eight (Fear Jah) was produced by the Love Circle's Isaac Blackman. This cut is a sensitive plea over kette drums, live bass and the raw strumming of acoustic guitars. Following this is the bubbly digital production of "My Light".



While Gitta may flow with ease from a singer's style into a gruff dancehall deejay voice, for the most part, this is a roots album. In fact, besides the dancehall beat of "Big Him Up", this entire production is pure roots and culture!



Gitta "rings the alarm" with the use of another classic Jamaican riddim on "What You Gonna Do?" This guy's biggest tunes seem to be over traditional riddims. On this song Gitta welcomes dancehall legend Nicodemus--no wait. Oops, false alarm. That's just Gitta flexing his vocal chords again.



"Dem Nah Believe" brings the tempo down a bit for another song with a hook that will never stop spinning around in your skull. I love how Gitta states that love is the greatest weapon for overcoming disbelief. The album finishes up with "Wonderful Words of Life", the ever inspiring "Inspiration", "Make Me More" and then winds it down even further with the slower paced "I Need Your Love".



There have been some really quality releases coming out of Trinidad lately and this album is another reason why more and more attention is being shifted away from Jamaica towards the Southeast Caribbean. While a few of the tracks towards the end of this album may not grab you as much as others, with 16 cuts to choose from and an abundance of powerful hooks, this album will satisfy even the most critical buyer.



If his former counterpart Tiko is known for his witty discourse and consistent tone, then Gitta is notorious for having a voice box with a multiple personality disorder. After giving this album a handful of spins, one thing is clear--This artist needs no guest vocalist. Gitta Dan is unquestionably the most versatile singer/deejay in the entire genre of reggae, including the secular arena. "Reggaematic Worship" is full of clever lyrics and catchy melodies. It's a must-have for both roots and dancehall fans alike. Just take a listen to the sound samples--this album sells itself.



Review by Mark Mohr