Bushman’s admiration of
Peter Tosh has been obvious ever since the release of his late-‘90s cut “Cannabis,” which slithered and smoked like an updated version of
Tosh’s “Legalize It.” He’s also close to
Tosh’s range and phrasing when it comes to vocal delivery, or in the case of this tribute album, he’s perilously close. With the singer pouring heart and soul into these covers,
Bushman Sings the Bush Doctor: A Tribute to Peter Tosh doesn’t necessarily feel cautious, but these recordings are so true to the originals in arrangement, instrumentation, and performance that it must be a case of respect.
Bushman’s take on “Legalize It” features the same combination of laid-back and militant that
Tosh crafted on the original, while his version of “Stepping Razor” bounces from cool to kinetic in a way that’s familiar to any reggae fan. That familiarity might undermine the song’s sense of danger for some, and while it isn’t
Bushman’s fault that most will come to this tribute with a full awareness of the material, his choice to play these covers straight is perplexing, especially with so much forward-thinking music in his back catalog. When it comes to both quality of performance and connection to the material,
Bushman is well above admirable throughout the album, and with
Tarrus Riley taking the place of
Mick Jagger on “Don’t Look Back,” the cut is modern roots of the highest order. Fans who agree with
Bushman’s choice to redo, rather than rework or remodel, these songs will have no complaints. ~ David Jeffries