Bunny Wailers' `Blackheart Man,' One of the Landmark Albums of Reggae, Remastered & Revisited.

Entertainment Editors & Music/Retail Writers

Island/UME:

-- "Beware the power and glory of the `Blackheart Man'... Bunny

Wailer shares with you the sweetness and purity of his

phrasing but he takes your soul with the dread powers of

wisdom and faith. This music is a river of conviction, flowing

past sadness, pain, oppression and rejection into the hope of

the glorious kingdom of Jah Jah." -- Jean Fairweather, Liner

Notes, "Blackheart Man" (1976)

One of the most extraordinary albums of roots reggae, "Blackheart Man," the 1976 solo debut from singer Bunny Wailer, has been praised by critics and fans alike ever since its release as the equal of any from Bob Marley himself.

Now "Blackheart Man," with such classics as its title track, "Dreamland," "Fighting Against Convictions," "Armagideon" and "Rasta Man," has been given the Remastered & Revisited treatment for its reissue by Island/UME on July 30, 2002. Digitally remastered from the original analog tapes and featuring its original artwork, the re-release of "Blackheart Man" celebrates a founding member of the Wailers, the sole survivor of the original group, and today a respected elder statesman of reggae.

Accompanying Bunny, who wrote and produced the album, are Marley on a new rendition of Wailer's classic anthem "Dreamland" and another original Wailer, Peter Tosh, on guitar on eight of the album's 10 tracks. Also joining him is the Wailers' brother duo of Carlton and Aston Barrett on drums and rhythm guitar, respectively. Other renowned reggae players represented include bassist Robbie Shakespeare, guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith, and keyboardist Tyrone Downie.

Bunny (born Neville O'Riley Livingston) became friends with Marley as neighborhood children. With Tosh (and Junior Braithwaite, who left in the mid-'60s), they formed a musical group that eventually became the Wailers. By 1973, the Wailers were the most popular reggae band in Jamaica and ready to explode on the international scene. But, for reasons still unclear, Bunny suddenly exited, opting to remain in Jamaica rather than tour the world.

"Blackheart Man" unveiled him as an original and visionary songwriter in his own right, and, with subsequent albums such as "Protest" and "Struggle," built his singular legacy. He has also acted as keeper of the flame after Marley's death with tribute albums. In 1982, he returned to the stage for the first time since 1975, co-headlining a Kingston benefit concert with Stevie Wonder. Four years later, he went on his first tour outside the country since 1973. He also flew headfirst into the dancehall genre, with occasional album nods to his rootsy past, which in the '90s won him a trio of Grammys for Best Reggae Album.

With 2000's "Communication," Bunny has continued on into the new millennium, still a shining light of Rastafarianism and reggae.