Whispering Lion

"The latest release from Whispering Lion- "Real Revolution"-is the best yet. Some tight musicianship rides beneath the conscious lyrics, most pertinent in these times. Tunes like "Better Days," "Bob, Peter, Bunny," "In This House," "Sweet Salvation," and the title track in particular will have your feet moving and your brain reasoning at the same time. This is roots music with heart behind it, from an artist who truly cares about what's happening in today's world. Nuff Respect!"
- DJ Bahilmon, SKY.fm Roots Reggae

"The latest release from Whispering Lion- "Real Revolution"-is the best yet. Some tight musicianship rides beneath the conscious lyrics, most pertinent in these times. Tunes like "Better Days," "Bob, Peter, Bunny," "In This House," "Sweet Salvation," and the title track in particular will have your feet moving and your brain reasoning at the same time. This is roots music with heart behind it, from an artist who truly cares about what's happening in today's world. Nuff Respect!"
- DJ Bahilmon, SKY.fm Roots Reggae

"What a great record Star! The REAL REVOLUTION is the real deal for what Marley called 'the real revolutionaries'. I am so freakin' impressed but it's no surprise since Whispering Lion has been delivering the goods to Midnight Dread for 20 years. This musical/lyrical bomb was built over many moons and it shows and glows like a Harvest-sized ghost-buster. Every track and dub essential to the max and the mix. Classic, progressive roots rock reggae sounds can never be denied. From 1984's "Don't Blame Your Pain On Me" to "Better Days" in 2005 it's all crucial me lion. It's made my short list of 'constantly on repeat play in my cd changer" discs at my website. Go deh." - Doug Wendt at www.midnightdread.com

"What a great record Star! The REAL REVOLUTION is the real deal for what Marley called 'the real revolutionaries'. I am so freakin' impressed but it's no surprise since Whispering Lion has been delivering the goods to Midnight Dread for 20 years. This musical/lyrical bomb was built over many moons and it shows and glows like a Harvest-sized ghost-buster. Every track and dub essential to the max and the mix. Classic, progressive roots rock reggae sounds can never be denied. From 1984's "Don't Blame Your Pain On Me" to "Better Days" in 2005 it's all crucial me lion. It's made my short list of 'constantly on repeat play in my cd changer" discs at my website. Go deh." - Doug Wendt at www.midnightdread.com

"Traditional rhythms overlaid with screaming electric guitar and Lou Reed-like lead vocals that are anything but traditional for reggae mark Whispering Lion's Real Revolution (World of Rhythm), an impassioned personalization of reggae with a California spin. The arrangements are tight with sweet female backing vocals to offset Lion's roar, crisp horn sections intercut with layered guitar fills and Dylanesque lyrics. It all fits together nicely on cuts like "Find A Way", "Sweet Salvation", "Groove Again", and tribute "Bob, Peter, Bunny". Ten songs and five dubs that don't sound quite like anything else you've ever heard."
- Chuck Foster, The Beat (magazine).

"Traditional rhythms overlaid with screaming electric guitar and Lou Reed-like lead vocals that are anything but traditional for reggae mark Whispering Lion's Real Revolution (World of Rhythm), an impassioned personalization of reggae with a California spin. The arrangements are tight with sweet female backing vocals to offset Lion's roar, crisp horn sections intercut with layered guitar fills and Dylanesque lyrics. It all fits together nicely on cuts like "Find A Way", "Sweet Salvation", "Groove Again", and tribute "Bob, Peter, Bunny". Ten songs and five dubs that don't sound quite like anything else you've ever heard."
- Chuck Foster, The Beat (magazine).

Those of you who heard Whispering Lion's "UP2US" on the R.A.W. 2000 showcase should have an idea of what to expect from his new album. Despite the title, Real Revolution isn't exactly exactly filled with fiery militancy and calls to overthrow the government. This veteran Californian musician is family-friendly, to say the least -- even incorporating the occasional child's voice in his songs -- full of overwhelming positivity that can't help but win you over at some point. Positivity alone doesn't do the job, of course; the catchy melodies and bouncy, horn-filled roots music draw you into their web. WL's style is actually a bit like a lot of African reggae I've heard, with its buoyant sound and I-Threes-like female backing. As for his own vocals, they won't win "American Idol" any time soon -- it's almost like he's talking a lot of the time -- but they're quirky and charismatic, leading to some apt comparisons to Bob Dylan. If you enjoyed "UP2US," you'll be happy to find that it would probably be the worst track on Real Revolution. "Groove Again" and "Sweet Salvation" are tranquil hip-shakers, "Find a Way" is a darker social statement that hits its mark, and "Thank You" is an evocative, heartfelt celebration of life. This album may be a bit too poppy for some tastes, but given a chance, it may prove to be an unexpected joy. - Reggaereview.com

Those of you who heard Whispering Lion's "UP2US" on the R.A.W. 2000 showcase should have an idea of what to expect from his new album. Despite the title, Real Revolution isn't exactly exactly filled with fiery militancy and calls to overthrow the government. This veteran Californian musician is family-friendly, to say the least -- even incorporating the occasional child's voice in his songs -- full of overwhelming positivity that can't help but win you over at some point. Positivity alone doesn't do the job, of course; the catchy melodies and bouncy, horn-filled roots music draw you into their web. WL's style is actually a bit like a lot of African reggae I've heard, with its buoyant sound and I-Threes-like female backing. As for his own vocals, they won't win "American Idol" any time soon -- it's almost like he's talking a lot of the time -- but they're quirky and charismatic, leading to some apt comparisons to Bob Dylan. If you enjoyed "UP2US," you'll be happy to find that it would probably be the worst track on Real Revolution. "Groove Again" and "Sweet Salvation" are tranquil hip-shakers, "Find a Way" is a darker social statement that hits its mark, and "Thank You" is an evocative, heartfelt celebration of life. This album may be a bit too poppy for some tastes, but given a chance, it may prove to be an unexpected joy. - Reggaereview.com

"it's a real roots rocking music fi real man all tunes are seriously very well arranged, listening to it you can appreciate the real work done to build the songs coz you can feel it from the harmony, from the melody, from the chorus, from the lyrics, the stereophony, in each vibe of every track, BIG UP Whispering Lion, u done a good work."
- DJ Gusmatti, "Under Pressure", TPN Radio, ITALY, CARIBBEAN VIBES Radio (USA)

"it's a real roots rocking music fi real man all tunes are seriously very well arranged, listening to it you can appreciate the real work done to build the songs coz you can feel it from the harmony, from the melody, from the chorus, from the lyrics, the stereophony, in each vibe of every track, BIG UP Whispering Lion, u done a good work."
- DJ Gusmatti, "Under Pressure", TPN Radio, ITALY, CARIBBEAN VIBES Radio (USA)

"Whispering Lion... what a fitting name for this soft-voiced singer outta California. Some excellent guitar-work on that album too. We actually had some people calling in asking 'who is that wicked guitar-player'?"
- DJ Tom Kriz, Orange 94, Wien AUSTRIA

It is the job of critics to describe the music they hear and the easiest way to describe music is to liken it to something you've already heard. That really isnt possible with Whispering Lion whose Tribute to the Spirit pulls in elements of dance music, conscious reggae, and that bugaboo, alternative, to create something completely different that still slides into the reggae groove. Haling from the East Bay where politics and life swim in the same murky waters. Whispering Lion puts a new slant on politics, love, rock, and reggae. Although Whispering Lion is a solo artist, not a band, he has some excellent support, including legendary guitarist Hux Brown, Rankin Scroo, and Ron Rhoades from one of America's first home-grown reggae bands, the Shakers. With a full pop backing and an unusual "talking blues" style, if I had to liken Whispering Lion to any other artist, I would have to go outside of reggae (though he remains firmly inside of it) to Lou Reed, Beck, or the soul-groove-funk pre-rapsters of the '70s. Musically diverse, with tight arrangements featuring full-strength background vocals, and a lyrical focus on improving the world.

- Chuck Foster, The Beat (magazine).

"Whispering Lion... what a fitting name for this soft-voiced singer outta California. Some excellent guitar-work on that album too. We actually had some people calling in asking 'who is that wicked guitar-player'?"
- DJ Tom Kriz, Orange 94, Wien AUSTRIA

With a discography of cassettes and singles dating back to 1983, it is nice to hear a full-length CD by Whispering Lion, once acclaimed a "...unique blend of Bob Marley and Bob Marley." On Tribute to the Spirit, co-produced by Rankin' Scroo and featuring Hux Brown on guitars, Lion shares songwriting with one of the earliest of American Reggae recording artists, Ron Rhoades of the Shakers. The styles of both Bob's blend nicely, striking an interesting contrast between Rock and Reggae, with a bit of blues, a touch of techno-disco and a lyrical balance between social commentary and lover's ballads (strange and otherwise). This is a fun album, more than a toe-tapper, typifying American Reggae-and then some. - Papa Pilgrim, DUB MISSIVE

With a discography of cassettes and singles dating back to 1983, it is nice to hear a full-length CD by Whispering Lion, once acclaimed a "...unique blend of Bob Marley and Bob Marley." On Tribute to the Spirit, co-produced by Rankin' Scroo and featuring Hux Brown on guitars, Lion shares songwriting with one of the earliest of American Reggae recording artists, Ron Rhoades of the Shakers. The styles of both Bob's blend nicely, striking an interesting contrast between Rock and Reggae, with a bit of blues, a touch of techno-disco and a lyrical balance between social commentary and lover's ballads (strange and otherwise). This is a fun album, more than a toe-tapper, typifying American Reggae-and then some. - Papa Pilgrim, DUB MISSIVE

Whispering Lion "Love Posse"/Rock Steady Party"

"Love Posse" is a hookfilled midtempo groover with obvious references to Laid Back's "White Horse", but what makes this song great is an ambush break that features titilating stereo separation and a fun breakdown. "Rock Steady Party" is a much more basic boy-girl rap that is endearingly cute and quite appealing due to an abundance of interesting changes. The Rock Mix throws in some Billy Squire type chants which add to the fun. This is a guaranteed double a-side street hit. Rock on. (Contact: Whispering Lion Music, PO Box 20237, Oakland, CA, 94620; 510-346-5466. - Philip Puckett "Rockpool 7th New Music Seminar Special Issue", Vol 6 Issue 13

Whispering Lion "Love Posse"/Rock Steady Party"

"Love Posse" is a hookfilled midtempo groover with obvious references to Laid Back's "White Horse", but what makes this song great is an ambush break that features titilating stereo separation and a fun breakdown. "Rock Steady Party" is a much more basic boy-girl rap that is endearingly cute and quite appealing due to an abundance of interesting changes. The Rock Mix throws in some Billy Squire type chants which add to the fun. This is a guaranteed double a-side street hit. Rock on. (Contact: Whispering Lion Music, PO Box 20237, Oakland, CA, 94620; 510-346-5466. - Philip Puckett "Rockpool 7th New Music Seminar Special Issue", Vol 6 Issue 13