French singer Christophe Rigaud dropped his debut EP See the River in late 2012 and now he and his band The High Reeds have put out a first full-length set.
But in-between these two musical efforts Christophe Rigaud visited Jamaica to learn about the roots of reggae. For several days he travelled the island with a guitar in his hand, improvising performances and visiting artists and studios.
Upon his return to France he teamed with his three fellow musicians to record Sounds of Life, a 14 track set dedicated to the celebration of life. It’s a seductive, organic and meditative reggae album with influences ranging from soul to jazz and blues.
And even though Christophe Rigaud touches difficult subjects like armed conflicts, politics and religion it all sounds so gentle, partly thanks to smooth rhythms, partly because of his delicate singing.
Sounds of Life isn’t the deep roots or blazing digital reggae that usually comes from France. This is something different. Slicker and more down to earth.
Reggaemani 