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After
two years in the making,
Reggae Music Lives arrives with inspiration, healing and Gramps'
determination to make positive changes in the world. The album's first single 'The
Almighty' topped the charts in Jamaica, South Florida and New York
while 'Life Too Short', released on March 28th, advanced in the fight for
justice in the case of Trayvon Martin. Consequently, team Dada Son decided to
donate part of the sale proceeds to the family of the slain Florida teenager.
The song has since been added to the
Justice for Trayvon Martin Foundation website
where he is listed as an "Official
Donor" for his commitment.
Meanwhile,
Mark Brantley, Senior Lawyer and Leader of the Opposition in the National
Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis says: "There is no voice in reggae music today as distinctive
as that of Gramps Morgan. His sophomore album reminds us of the deeply
spiritual roots of reggae music. Gramps' ability to make music with a global
appeal which touches the human spirit and soothes the soul has been taken to
new heights in his latest release. I believe that this new effort by this
Grammy award winning artist will be a major hit with lovers of conscious reggae
music the world over. But don't take my word for it. Pick up a copy, put your
feet up and let the music wash over you."
Reggae Music Lives is an
evolution of Gramps' professional and musical growth expressed through his
singing, narratives, arrangements and compositions. His melodies and hooks are
seasoned with mature, worldly lyrics that are delivered flawlessly. All of his
experiences have culminated in the creation of a universal sound that he says
stems from exposure
"I've grown so much as a producer, song writer
and vocalist. Overall, my experience from touring and working with India Arie;
watching John Legend perform every night; touring with different artists;
working with the different producers (on this album) and getting a chance to
work with my brother Peetah one-on-one writing songs; it's brought me to a
whole other level. My experience really came into play in making this. I think
this album is really the best of the brand called Gramps Morgan; as a product,
you finally get the sound of Gramps Morgan. The first album was just
discovering, getting it and learning myself. Gramps Morgan has been born
on this album. "
The Sound of Gramps Morgan
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| A personal favourite
of Morgan's on the album sees the return of India Arie, reuniting with Gramps
on "Want Fi Charge Wi" a song whose distinct sound is
inspired by African rhythms as is "I Hear You Calling", an
ode to Africa. Meanwhile new creative partnerships were also forged on this
project, one such collaboration was with renowned duo, Stanley
"Rellee" Hayden and Alberto "AL" Cruz also known as the
A-Team (Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Sean 'P-Diddy' Combs, The Notorious B.I.G., KRS 1, Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, Deborah Cox, etc...) on the song called DREAM.
One of the most
promising tracks on the album, DREAM, is as inspiring as it is universal, in
message and in sound. When Gramps sings "...celebrate wherever you are, keep on
striving for your dream, just lift your head high, let your spirit fly, dream
away..." one is reminded to persevere; the
song offers hope and is that motivator everyone needs.
Another first, and
what Gramps describes as "a dream" was working with the
legendary, Clive Hunt (The Rollings Stones, Maxi Priest, Jimmy Cliff, Peter
Tosh, Beres Hammond). Hunt produced three of the thirteen songs on Reggae
Music Lives including the title track, which is an unapologetic
declaration of the state of Reggae music; and on two love songs that will
create their own 'baby boom' "Find Myself Thinking" and
"I Know It's Love". Gramps Morgan fans get a different side
of Gramps on "Could Dj (Dem Neva Know)" here the
singer switches to a toasting style delivery over a phat beat infused with
elements of rap, blues, and some rock riffs.
Like his first album 2
Sides of My Heart Vol. 1 Gramps has again assembled an incredible
pool of talent from the novice to the accomplished musicians and producers
alike, including his seventeen year old son Jemere Morgan, Jason 'J-Vibe'
Farmer, Llamar "Riff Raff" Brown, Delroy "Delly" Foster
and Kemar "Flava" McGregor.
The songs on Reggae
Music Lives are well rounded and crafted with diverse themes from
romantic and universal love; to global consciousness and justice, to living
in the moment and being grateful. Reggae Music Lives is
mature and contemporary, it's the kind of music that can rock on any gadget
at work, home or at play.
Reggae Music Lives is about the preservation of art,
music and culture and Gramps wants the world to know that "Reggae music is here to stay."
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