The Great Jamaican Songbook Vol. 1

Description

A truly inspirational figure in UK music and winner of the 2021 Ivors Composer Award For Innovation, Watkiss' impact and legacy is felt strongly across an extremely broad spectrum of musical genres. Now he returns with a project that is close to his heart - a roots-reggae orientated showcase, interpreted and presented in a way in which only an artist with such extensive musical knowledge and experience could ever create.

'The Great Jamaican Songbook Vol. 1' guides listeners through the origins and development of Jamaican music and culture, in a poignant tale of the life and times of many of the island's most inspirational figures. Recorded at Zak Starkey's studio, it features iconic songs from the greats such as Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Burning Spear, but also shines a light on hidden gems from labels such as Studio One, Coxsone Dodd and Tuff Gong, producers like King Tubby and Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and singers such as Delroy Wilson and Prince Lincoln.

The band that Watkiss has recruited are a who's who of celebrated UK jazz, pop, reggae and funk musicians, each with their own strong reputation both within these scenes and way beyond. Names such as multi-instrumentalist Orphy Robinson MBE, revered trumpeter Byron Wallen and Jamaican saxophonist Ray Carless.

In jazz, Cleveland is known as the co-founder of the hugely influential Jazz Warriors big band, as well as his work with the pianist and composer Julian Joseph and as a much-respected solo artist. As a drum and bass vocalist and MC, Watkiss became the voice of Goldie's legendary Metalheadz label nights at The Blue Note, a relationship that would lead to residencies and mic duties at some of the world's biggest and best dance music events and recording with the likes of DJ Marky, Bryan Gee, and Grooverider.

Press:

"A set of classic tunes that draw on the work of a who's who of reggae legends...but jazz listeners will be drawn in by the arrangements and vocal delivery, both of which connect the source material to a clearly-defined jazz sensibility." - ***** BBC Music Magazine

"Bringing complete musicality and top-notch sound engineering to a music that back in the day was often a bit rough and ready. Reggae, Lovers Rock, Dub and Drum and Bass never sounded so clear while keeping all the qualities that made it so urgent back then." - ***** UK Vibe

"(9/10) Throughout, Watkiss delivers a stunning array of vocals while pouring out his soul, though I have to mention, he never overextends...Shoutouts have to go to on the point Jazz Warriors alumni who gloriously fine-tune proceedings while using their collective skill sets and adroitness to spur on this gifted singer at will." - Blues & Soul

"One of our greatest jazz singers has never denied his reggae origins, and this celebration of killer roots and lovers' rock anthems is as good as can be expected from someone to the manner born...this is a session with the right players for the right singer doing the right songs." - **** Jazzwise

"A damn fine record. Watkiss' love for, and knowledge of, his chosen material is obvious throughout and he sings with confidence, assurance and great technical skill. His band perform superbly throughout, the irresistible grooves of the core group augmented by the work of the excellent horn section." - **** The Jazz Mann

"Watkiss should be applauded for his deft curatorial instincts and long-standingembrace of the music...We eagerly await Volume 2!" - LondonJazz News

"The rhythm section are on point throughout, the horns blare triumphantly, and Watkiss' remarkable voice is both controlled and impassioned." - Jazz Views

"You get the sense of the curator trying to encapsulate the development of Jamaican music in just ten tracks - a considerable feat - and it makes sense to call this volume 1 because there is so much more to come from this diverse, rich culture. This is just Volume 1, and Volume 2 already feels like it is a must." - Platinum Mind