Toots Has Got To Be Tough

Trojan Jamaica, a new imprint of the classic reggae label, led in part by Zak Starkey, put out their debut release back in July of 2019. "Red, Gold, Green & Blue" a collection of reggae legends covering blues legends, was one of my favorite records of that year, especially the version of Peter Green's gorgeous "Man Of The World" delivered so powerfully by Toots Hibbert.

Soon after that release, Trojan Jamaica announced a new Toots & The Maytals album in the works, the first in nearly ten years. This was amazing news to me. The first reggae record I ever owned was "Funky Kingston" by Toots & The Maytals, and though I am sure I had heard "Israelites" by Desmond Dekker years before, it was "Funky Kingston" that opened up the door to a world of music that 40 years later, still gets very heavy rotation in my household. It is feel good music of the highest order.

"Got To Be Tough" has finally seen the light of the day, after what seemed like an eternity. I was so excited by this new Toots record, I had it shipped DHL, two day express from the U.K. so I could have my grubby fat paws all over it on street date. It was worth not waiting!

With a core band that includes the one and only Sly Dunbar on drums, Cyril Neville on percussion, Zak Starkey on guitars and Toots covering bass, guitar and keyboards, this is not your traditional reggae record, and yet it is all you could want and more from the one and only Toots.






"Drop Off Head" gets things going with a groove that would make Keith Richards proud. "Just Brutal" drives along with a great call and response, and a vibe that reminds me of Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Through The Night." And "Struggle" the album closer and not a revamped version of the old Maytals classic, is a funky workout that should make even the most ardent non-reggae fans feel good.

Toots does not abandon the traditional sound altogether, as most everything in the middle is soaked in the rhythms and rhymes that made this man legendary.

So needless to say, "Got To Be Tough" has made me very happy. And then I saw this last night, posted on Instagram by Trojan Jamaica:

While reports of Mr. Hibbert being in an intensive care unit at a private facility in the Corporate Area are true, the family would like to assure those concerned that he is making positive progress and is receiving the best possible treatment, while he awaits the results on his COVID-19 test. He is resting and in good spirits, and is showing signs of improvement by the hour.

His family has asked everyone to hold him in their prayers, and would like to thank the Minister of Culture Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Minister of Health Christopher Tufton for their assistance in getting Mr. Hibbert tested, as well as the countless medical professionals who are taking care of Mr. Hibbert around the clock during this time.

What the hell?

Keep your fingers crossed and listen to some Toots & The Maytals. Maybe the collective positive vibes will help him pull through.