Buju's 'Before the Dawn' gets mixed reviews

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Buju Banton's new album, Before The Dawn, is holding its own more than three weeks after it was released by his Gargamel label. The set is currently number six on the Billboard reggae chart.

Before The Dawn was released digitally on September 29, one week after Banton went on trial in a Florida federal court for conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

It has been in the Billboard reggae listing since its release, peaking at number three. Distant Relatives, the much-touted set by Damian Marley and rapper Nas, remains top of the chart, ahead of Light by Jewish rapper Matisyahu and Reggae Gold 2010, the perennial strong-selling compilation from VP Records.

Before The Dawn was released one year after Rasta Got Soul, Banton's previous set. It has received mixed reaction to date.

"By checking in at just 10 songs in full and being just a year after his last studio album (which is very un-Buju-like), Before The Dawn definitely has the feel of being hurried and rushed together by the label," read the unitedreggae.com website's review.

Amazon.com was more receptive.

"The 10 powerful tracks that comprise this very special project are easily some of the most prophetic songs written by Banton since his extraordinary entry into the music business over 20 years ago. Recorded at the artiste's own Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Before The Dawn literally pierces the soul with traditional roots, easy rock and especially heartfelt reggae. The album's unofficial anthem, Innocent, strikes a highly personal chord that will resonate deeply with the long-time Buju fan."

Incarcerated

The 37-year-old Banton has been incarcerated since December 10 when he was arrested by federal agents at his Tamarac, South Florida, home. He and two men, Ian Thomas and James Mack, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

Banton pleaded not guilty but Thomas and Mack pleaded guilty and are expected to be sentenced in November. They face life imprisonment.

Judge Jim Moodie declared a mistrial in Banton's trial which began September 20. Eight days later, a 12-member jury failed to return a unanimous verdict after three days of deliberations.

A new trial will start in December on a date to be announced.

Banton was offered bail at US$250,000 on October 14 but is still in custody. Last week, his lawyer, David Markus, said his client was weighing the implications of his bond arrangement.