Rise Up Riddim (2015) – Lamarca And Barbass Sound

A clean, mid-tempo roots cut runs through Rise Up Riddim, with enough bounce for the vocalists to lean into uplift and plenty of space in the rhythm section for the bass to do the talking. Jaume Mas’ “Energia Positiva” sets the tone in Spanish, while Ganjahr Family and Kg Man push the title-track message with more direct fire, and Lasai teaming with Spectacular on “Jah Children” gives the project one of its sharper combinations. Nathy Peluso’s “Perspectivas” adds a different shade to the lineup, keeping the set from settling into one mood for too long. Lamarca and Barbass Sound keep it focused and compact, and the closing “Rise Up Riddim Version” leaves the arrangement bare enough to hear how the whole thing is stitched together.