The UK Players & Friends - Hills & Valleys, Rivers & Streams []

Recording info

The UK Players & Friends
Hills and Valleys, Rivers and Streams
(A Tribute to Idren Natural)

9 brand new tracks by The UK Players. Voiced by Singers and Poets who
knew Idren Natural personally.

Recorded and Mixed by Supa Yout' at Earth Works Studio, Amsterdam.
Sleeve artwork and written testimonials from close friends and
associates.

Idren Natural aka Ras Natural aka InI Oneness, DJ, Singer, Chanter,
Musician, was a pivotal player and pillar of UK/European Roots, Reggae,
Dub, Sound System Culture.
A humble Rastaman who did so much for so many, inasmuch as inspiring,
encouraging, and connecting. He selflessly helped those less fortunate
than himself. A strong advocate of the culture and
philosophy of Rastafari. He was a commanding presence who lit up the
stage, giving JAH all the glory. His passing was a great loss to the
community.

The UK Players Dub Band formed in 1996. They teamed up with Ras
Natural/InI Oneness to record their debut 7" single 'Further' for Jah
Works with Producer Jah Rej. This single gained exposure via Jah Shaka,
Abashanti, and King Shiloh Sound Systems, even the famous Radio 1 DJ
'John Peel' played it.

More recordings with Jah Rej at Seventh Sense Studio led to the debut
album 'Take Heed'. During the halcyon days of InI Oneness & The UK
Players (1997-2004) they toured the UK and Europe, clocking up over 250
gigs in that time. Amongst brethren within the Rastafari community, the
band became affectionately known as Ras Naturals band. Friends of
Natural like Ras Iyah, Tony Roots, Sister Aisha, Wayne McArthur, and
Barry Isaacs (among others) performed with them during this time.
Members of InI Oneness & The UK Players never split up, throughout the
years they branched out into other projects, reconvening for specials
and one offs.

Following Idren Naturals passing in 2022, the band stepped up to play
his memorial show, where the idea formulated of making a tribute album
to him. Ben King offered the use of Earth Works studio to help realise
the vision. Work began with longtime live sound engineer Supa
Yout' in March 2024. Jah Rej assisted production on a number of these
recordings, and sadly passed during the making of it, the last album he
worked on. Various vocalists who were close to Natural, submitted vocals
across the following year.
The album was mixed and dubbed in March '25 at Earth Works by Soupa
Yout' & Kingsway. Artwork and written memories/testimonials were then
assembled. Everyone involved in the creation of this album knew Idren
Natural personally. This album shines a spotlight on his spirit.
Carrying songs of tribute, and messages for the times.

ALPHA DUB: Every time the band played a gig, Natural would insist on
starting with a dub. In that tradition, this album is no different.
'Mandlion' passing through the studio, headtopped a Melodica cut on it.
Dubbed to the max by Supa Yout!

NATURAL VIBE: The 'Forward Fever' crew from Belgium were one of the
first collectives that Natural affiliated with in Europe. Here, Ras
Cloud cleverly weaves all of Naturals song titles into the lyrics,
creating a song in itself.

WORD & FLESH: Fellowdread was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Now
living in Bristol, England, residing with Natural in his last days. His
Poetry is rich in inflection, knowledge and wisdom, teachings that spark
up the divine.

ALL ABOUT LOVE: A pause for contemplation, this one stills the listener.
Rootsman Rak's words warn against complacency, and encourages action. A
completely (natural) acoustic track featuring the skilled percussionist
Jonah Dan.

REMEMBER HIM: Inna Dubplate style, Barry Isaacs toasts to Idren in
personal remembrance, reminding us all of the man he was. The track also
features snippets of a phone call from Naturals oldest friend 'Fergie
Greenspears' recounting memories.

RISE UP RASTA CHILDREN: The legendary Tony Roots, graces the album with
his unique delivery. Natural, The Players, and Tony go back a long way.
A song of strength to affirm the soul, and rally against Babylon.
Livicated to the one (Natural)

SONG FOR THE RIVER MAN: During those halcyon days, many stages were
shared with Albaroot, whom the band met whilst on tour in Scotland.
Clark Innes (lead singer/songwriter) reminisces about the force of
nature that was Natural, times shared, and that knowing, to never meet
again.

ONE STEP AHEAD: An interpretation of the 'Look Inside' riddim by Reuben
Addis. Built for Sound System, it is the only track on the album that
rolls into a dub. Lyrical Benjie literally entered the studio, rode the
riddim without hearing it first, cutting his vocal in one take! A
message for the times that sends shivers up your spine.

THE PRAYER: Iman Onedub AKA Iman Gebre Iyesus, member of the Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahedo Church, met Idren Natural at Fairfield House in Bath.
Here he seals the album with a recital of the Lord's Prayer in English,
with Amharic. His rich textural tones elevated with a one away riddim to
carry the listener home.