Record Label: Trojan Records
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Trojan Records hasn’t signed a new band in 30 years, until now…So this must be quite the honor to Pama International to be signed to the iconic label. Pama International had some albums out on Jamdown/Do the Dog Records and then Asian Man Records released their album “Float like a Butterfly” in the States. That was their first USA release and I’m sure this album will be heard by Americans sooner or later. “Trojan Sessions” marks the band’s debut on the Trojan Records and it’s a great reggae/ska/dub album!

Pama International is made up of a bunch of UK ska & reggae musicians from various bands like The Loafers, Special Beat, The Specials, Madness, Steel Pulse, Style Council and others. The album also features a lot of great guest musicians, DJs and singers like Dave & Ansel Collins, Derrick Morgan, Dennis Alcapone, Rico, Dawn Penn, Winston Francis & AJ Franklin. But enough of listing bands, let’s talk about the music shall we!

“Disobedient Children” is the first track, and it features Rico Rodriguez. It’s kind of a dub/ska song that makes for a nice intro to the album. I think the next song is the best song on the CD, which is “Neither High Nor Dry” and it’s a great reggae tune to dance to! This band has definitely got a bit of the soul in em as well. Just like the next song, “Betterment Blues.” That song reminds me of Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves.” After listening to this band a few times, I thought they sounded familiar and then I read that they had a song in one of my favorite movies, Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels. I wish Guy Ritchie made another good gangster film again and dump that sea hag named Madonna but that’s another rant for another time. ANYWAY, what I like the most about this album is just the overall sound. From the last 2 albums that I’ve heard from this band, they have improved tremendously. I believe the vocalists have found their style (which is perfect for mid-tempo reggae songs). The other musicians in the band aren’t afraid to explore into some solos and just have fun playing reggae/ska music. There are 11 tracks in all and each one offers something unique. I recommend this album for any ska, reggae and dub fans!

Bottom Line: Fantastic reggae/dub album from PI!
Notable Tracks: Neither High Nor Dry, Betterment Blues, It Ain’t Funny, One Step, Fisherman
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