Garnett Silk – It's Growing

Review by Jo-Ann Greene
Only one Garnett Silk album was actually cut and released as the
artist planned -- It's Growing. His projected debut, Love Is the
Answer, recorded between 1990 and 1991 for Steely & Clevie,
wasn't released until 1994. Nothing Can Divide Us appeared the
following year, and compiled songs cut in 1992 for Courtney Cole.
Silky Mood, also released posthumously, rounded up numbers cut
for the Jammys label, and a myriad of other sets compiled up hits,
earlier offerings, and pretty much anything and everything that the
singer had recorded.
So, Growing remains Silk's only "true" album, and a masterpiece it
is, as across ten tracks the singer showcases his stunning power on
both romantic and cultural numbers. On the gorgeous title track, Silk
combines both into a spectacular lovefest. "Move on Slow" finds the
singer at his sultriest, and "Come to Me" at his most passionate,
while "Commitment" takes him into soulful territory. "Place in Your
Heart" is a total charmer, and was a huge Jamaican hit; Silk would
recut the song two years later for his projected debut for Atlantic.
"Bless Me" was also a smash, a fervent prayer for Jah's intervention,
backed by Michael Spense and Jazzwad's jazzy, high-stepping
accompaniment. "Keep Them Talking" boasts an equally inspired
backing from the Firehouse Crew, a dangerous, thumping rhythm
that will indeed keep them talking, as Silk puts those who reject Jah
firmly in their place. "I Am Vex" was even angrier, and another
deserved hit, where the singer ferociously addresses racists, while
his righteous anger also fires "Disadvantage." Both these numbers
were vehemently backed by Danny Browne, who supplied
accompaniment on two other tracks as well.
Sly & Robbie and Steely & Clevie also provide phenomenal
rhythms, with Brian & Tony Gold and Dean Fraser offering excellent
vocal support. Bobby "Digital" Dixon's expert production and
arrangements makes the whole set sizzle, adding glow to the
romantic numbers, and fire to the cultural tracks.
Every song within is a classic, the lyrics are strong, all penned by
the singer and/or his writing partner Anthony Rochester. It's Growing
is the album that established Silk's reputation, and is a continuing
reminder of his ferocious talent.