At the very foundation of reggae music is the drum and bass; those primal elements that make it so distinct and utterly powerful. At once soothing and earth shaking, roots reggae is a musical genre that is loved across the world by people of all nations. If you look hard enough (and often you don't have to look that hard), you'll always find staunch supporters of the underground phenomenon of reggae. Seemingly operating under the radar of popular music save for the odd crossover, strangely it survives and continues to grow.

One would be shortsighted to examine only the musical component of reggae--known to some as a type of electric folk music. When one mines the lyrical riches of the roots, he will undoubtedly strike veins of worshipful thanks and praise to the Almighty, stark and inspiring biblical references, social and political commentary and relational love. Where the way of harmony with the Creator, affinity for those core musical elements and progressive artistry intersect, you'll find the man known as Jah Servant (born Mark Giles). Clearly, he sees music as a most viable medium for communicating positive messages for the improvement of humanity. He states, "I believe music is a very powerful weapon and a tool for reaching others."

Hearkening back to the very musical and spiritual roots, yet looking forward may seem a contradiction, but it isn't. All is reconciled when placed within proper context. Jah Servant is the son of a Minister who has come back to reclaim his position and find his identity in Christ. Being raised in the church proved not enough to satisfy his deepest longings. One day, he said, "It's like I realized you can't mess around with God--it's either all or nothing." This was the point when he made a serious commitment to give his life and all his abilities to God, to be used for His glory. Regarding the Jah Servant moniker, he thoughtfully says "It's not a name as much as what I strive to be. If I can be known as anything, I'd rather it be as a servant of the Most High because I'm nothing without Him anyway." In surrendering all of his musical talents to Him, he has found the result to be immeasurably rewarding. "I've given my talent to God and He's given it back to me to use for Him."

A humble dreadlocked bredren, Jah Servant is a multi-intrumentalist, producer and engineer with a passion for roots and rub-a-dub reggae music that he creates and mixes in his Servant's Quarters studio in his new home in Trinidad, W.I. Having absorbed the musical influences of the likes of Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs, Yabby You, Peter Tosh, Prince Jammy, King Tubby, Solomon Jabby and others, Jah Servant's artistry is an amalgam of classic sound and fresh expression. With guitar being his musical "weapon" of choice, many of his compositions include searing leads, crucial rhythmic playing and even Latin-style picking. He also has the innate ability to add just the right touch of melodica, organ or synth. What rings true regardless is the melodic quality of Jah Servant's music that is often simultaneously spacious and richly layered.

Jah Servant successfully marries the warmth and texture of analogue instrumentation and production techniques with the innovation of digital technology to express a "voice" which is his own. Having worked with both established and up-and-coming artistes such as Sherwin Gardner, Audrey Gordon, Wayne Stoddart, Owen Uriah and others, Jah Servant is fast becoming known as a producer of tasteful and quality riddims for the discerning singer- and an artiste in his own right.