This is an unusual label compilation in that most of its tracks were actually recorded over the course of one three-day session at the Harry J studio in Jamaica, with producer Sylvan Morris at the board and rhythms provided by the legendary Roots Radics. Some of these songs were released on albums under the individual bands' names as well, but others appear only in this collection. All of them are exactly what the album title would lead you to expect: roots reggae of the slow, dark, and dread variety. And every single track is a solid winner, making Calling Rastafari one of the four or five best roots reggae anthologies on the market. Highlights are almost impossible to identify, though the Gladiators' rendition of the Wailers' classic "Small Axe" is certainly among the best tracks here, as is an excellent performance of "Jah Glory" by the Itals. (The latter is presented in disco-mix style with its dub version, as is the Gladiators' "Bongo Red.") But the contributions from the Mighty Diamonds, Culture, and the Wailing Souls uphold the same high standards. Very strongly recommended to all fans of roots reggae, and more especially to anyone looking for a good introduction to the genre. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide