Mo Kolours / Fruits Of The Diaspora / Waggle Dance Records

Mo Kolours makes his debut on Bristol’s Waggle Dance Records, collaborating with label founder Eeyun Purkins and his band The Co-Operators. Their “Fruits Of The Diaspora” is an album that aims to capture an authentic roots reggae sound. Setting its sights on something decidedly organic, employing traditional instruments, such as the maroon pipe, sakara, marovanne, ravanne and other handcrafted drums, alongside funky, electric fretwork and bright, upbeat, bubbling, Jackie Mittoo-esque Hammond B3. The opening cut “Le Morne” is a conga-led cut of jazz in the jungle. A hot hit of aural humidity. Spiced with possessed, spiritual exclamations, aped wildlife calls and field recordings. The song’s lyrics a little Last Poets. The grounation groove of “Watch H.I.M. Move”, with its descriptions of the daily, natural routine of Rastafari’s holy men from the hills, recalls the righteous words of Ras Michael, while “Bare Feet”, similarly, continues the since time teachings of leaders like Kiddus I…