Ten years ago, the album “Journey” by Black Symbol was first released, marking a significant return of Fatman to the music scene after three decades. Initially launched on CD under Sugar Shack Records, the album is now being re-released on limited edition gold marble vinyl via Reggae Archive Records. This vinyl release is particularly noteworthy as it arrives during a resurgence of vinyl popularity, bringing this seminal work to a new audience and format. The placement of “Journey” on Reggae Archive Records alongside Black Symbol’s vintage recordings underscores its timeless quality and connection to the roots of reggae music.
Black Symbol, along with Fatman, played a crucial role in establishing Birmingham’s Handsworth as a key area for reggae music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their singles and albums, including the influential “Handsworth Explosion” series, released on their own label, have since gained iconic status through reissue campaigns. While Fatman ceased releasing new music in the early eighties, his creative journey continued in writing and recording. “Journey,” produced by Paul Horton of Ecks Productions, emerged in 2014 as a collection of these newer recordings, blending modern production techniques with the classic Black Symbol sound. Horton, a two-time Grammy nominee for his work with Steel Pulse and Pato Banton, ensured the album retained its original spiritual essence.
Gold Marble Vinyl of Black Symbol's Journey Album
“Journey” is aptly named, capturing the essence of life’s path. This collection of eight songs, plus an instrumental version, is deeply spiritual, reflecting Fatman’s personal and musical odyssey from St. Ann’s, Jamaica, to Handsworth, England, and his growing connection to Ethiopia and Africa. This theme of journey is central to the album, resonating in tracks like “Mama Africa,” where Africa is proclaimed as a homeland as significant as Jamaica or England, embodying a universal origin for humanity. In “Bongoman,” Psalm 137, a psalm of exile, is beautifully adapted into a song of spiritual depth with Nyahbinghi influences, further explored in its instrumental version.
The travel motif extends into “Morning Dew” and the title track “Journey,” reinforcing the theme of spiritual and physical movement. Fatman’s lyrics in “Journey” declare, “Rasta no build his house on sinking sand,” signaling a rejection of societal corruption and an embrace of Rastafarian purity. This album is a powerful declaration of faith, starting with “I’m not Afraid” and continuing with uplifting messages in “Let It Shine.” Empress Bev’s backing vocals are integral to the album’s distinctive sound, setting it apart within the reggae genre. Black Symbol’s music has always possessed a unique quality, evoking the Jamaican hills rather than the urban landscape of Birmingham, maintaining a sound that remains unmatched.
Fatman of Black Symbol
Ten years after its initial release, “Journey” remains as compelling as ever. Its availability on vinyl is expected to introduce it to a wider audience, solidifying Black Symbol’s legacy. Released on Reggae Archive Records on February 23rd, 2024, “Journey” is accessible through major retailers worldwide, inviting listeners to embark on a sonic and spiritual exploration. For those seeking a Symbol For Traveler, Black Symbol’s “Journey” serves as a potent reminder of the continuous spiritual and physical paths we navigate, enriched by music that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries.
