Pop Music Review : Foundation Revitalizes Formative Reggae Format

The recent trend in Jamaican music has been toward hedonistic, less message-oriented “dance-hall” and “lovers rock” sounds. But in its appearance at the Music Machine on Wednesday, the group Foundation eschewed current fads, revitalizing a format that dominated reggae’s formative years: the harmony trio.

Backed by the tight yet supple, six-piece Creation band, Foundation live was a lot earthier and tougher than it is on record. Lead vocalist Errol (Keith) Douglas proved himself a hep-toned wailer as the group locked into the funky syncopations of political and religious statements like “Symptom and Sign.” At a time when reggae, like American soul music, is “evolving” into forms where novelty often outweighs substance, Foundation’s dedication to pure musicianship and spiritual/political values creates a harmonious blend of purpose and performance.

Opening act Donovan may not be the ‘60s English troubadour singing about catching the wind, but he proved himself very mellow (if not Yellowman) when singing a sensual ode to “Crazy Daisy.” Donovan’s strong vocals rode a mix-and-match series of styles heavily influenced by soul music, with a lyrics leaning more toward traditional Christian values than slogans to Jah. He may look like a stylish Kingstown gangster, but his messages of spiritual self-sufficency make Donovan an roots-rocking sunshine superman.