Music: Protoje goes "Forward" into the Ancient Future with new album

Though he avoided the numerical theme of his previous two albums, roots revivalist Protoje maintained his musical progression as his latest "Ancient Future" took its place in his annals alongside "The 7-Year Itch" and "The 8-Year Affair" with a classy (except for the unacceptably late start) launch at Gardens of the Pegasus hotel on Monday night.

The 11-track disc features the production prowess of wunderkind Phillip "Winta" James, who has  manned boards and provided riddims for the likes of Damian Jr Gong Marley, Anthony B and the Mighty Diamonds. He reluctantly yet good-naturedly took the stage when acknowledged by his collaborator, who arrived for the occasion nattily dressed in a taupe suit.

He took the audience through several tracks, including the opener "Protection" and the heavy rotation track "Who Knows" which features fellow current roots star Chronixx.

This writer also finds great appeal in "Sudden Flight" "Who Can You Call" and the closer, "The Flame" all of which he smartly previewed in an excellent accompanying documentary that also included highlights from his recently concluded European tour.

A solid turnout of music, media and other interests turned out for the event, which continued into the night.

The album is now available via the usual channels.