|
If
you look hard enough (and often you don’t
have to look that hard), you’ll always
find staunch supporters of the underground
phenomenon of reggae. Seemingly operating
under the radar of popular music save for
the odd crossover, strangely it survives and
continues to grow.
One
would be shortsighted to examine only the
musical component of reggae- known to some
as a type of electric folk music. When one
mines the lyrical riches of the roots, he
will undoubtedly strike veins of worshipful
thanks and praise to the Almighty, stark and
inspiring biblical references, social and
political commentary and relational love.
Where the way of harmony with the Creator,
affinity for those core musical elements and
progressive artistry intersect, you’ll
find the man known as Jah Servant (born Mark
Giles). Clearly, he sees music as a most
viable medium for communicating positive
messages for the improvement of humanity. He
states, “I believe music is a very
powerful weapon and a tool for reaching
others.”
“I
believe music is a very powerful weapon and
a tool for reaching others.”
Hearkening
back to the very musical and spiritual
roots, yet looking forward may seem a
contradiction, but it isn't. All is
reconciled when placed within proper
context. Jah Servant is the son of a
Minister who has come back to
reclaim
his position and find his identity in
Christ. Being raised in the church proved
not enough to satisfy his deepest longings.
One day, he says, "it's like I realized
you can't mess around with God- it's either
all or nothing." This was the point
where he made a serious commitment to give
his life and all his abilities to God, to be
used for His glory. Regarding the Jah
Servant moniker, he thoughtfully says
"It's not a name as much as what I
strive to be. If I can be known as anything,
I'd rather it be as a servant of the Most
High because I'm nothing without Him
anyway." In surrendering all of his
musical talents to Him, he has found the
result to be immeasurably rewarding.
"I've given my talent to God and He's
given it back to me to use for Him."
"It's
not a name (Jah Servant) as much as what I
strive to be."
A
humble dreadlocked bredren, Jah Servant is a
multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer
with a passion for roots and rub-a-dub
reggae music that he creates and mixes in
his Servant's Quarters studio located in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Having absorbed
the musical influences of the likes of Sugar
Minott, Gregory Isaacs, Yabby You, Peter
Tosh, Prince Jammy, King Tubby, Solomon
Jabby and others, Jah Servant's artistry is
an amalgam of classic sound and fresh
expression. With guitar being his musical
"weapon" of choice, many of his
compositions include searing leads, crucial
rhythmic playing and even Latin-style
picking. He also has the innate ability to
add just the right touch of melodica, organ
or synth. What rings true regardless is the
melodic quality of Jah Servant's music which
is often simultaneously spacious and richly
layered.
"I've
given my talent to God and He's given it
back to me to use for Him."
Jah
Servant successfully marries the warmth and
texture of analogue instrumentation and
production techniques with the innovation of
digital technology to express a
"voice" which is his own. Having
worked with both established and
up-and-coming artistes such as Sherwin
Gardner, Audrey Gordon, Wayne Stoddart, Owen
Uriah and others, Jah Servant is fast
becoming known as a producer of tasteful and
quality riddims for the discerning
singer-and an artiste in his own right.
|
