Toots and the Maytals: True Love

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * * )

With his early reggae classics, the covers of some by the Clash, his 80s hit Beautiful Woman, and an unforgettable performance at Sweetwaters all those years ago, it's arguable that Toots and his Maytals were as responsible for reggae going mainstream as Bob Marley was.

The 58-year-old Frederick "Toots" Hibbert and band head here for shows in April with this, his latest album, True Love, which revisits those past glories -- including Pressure Drop, Monkey Man, Funky Kingston, Reggae Got Soul -- with an array of guest voices.

Some are predictable given his roots (Shaggy and Rhazel, Bunny Wailer, Marcia Griffiths, Terry Hall, the Skatalites and tour mate U-Roy). Some are of similar vintage but a long way from home (Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards).

And some might seem incongruous but acquit themselves rather well -- like Bootsy Collins with the Roots on Funky Kingston and Ryan Adams on Time Tough.

It's a tribute album and inevitably the remakes can't top the originals. But despite the guest list, Toots' elegantly raspy voice is the star of this rock-steady revival party.

(V2)