Known to many as the originator of “Lover’s Rock” or the “Otis Redding of Reggae,” Beres Hammond has been writing, producing and pouring out his smoky-sweet voice over every kind of riddim track for over three decades. He has repeatedly sold out some of the United States’ largest and most prestigious venues (Theatre at Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall). He has paved the way for many musicians today and is a favorite of Wyclef Jean, Carl Thomas and Alicia Keys.
From his early days as the lead singer of the ‘70s funk-reggae infused band Zap Pow, Beres has consistently produced hits and number one singles. While newcomers today are searching for a breakthrough hit and old timers are plotting their comeback, Beres is a study in longevity. He released his first studio album, Soul Reggae in 1976 spawning the number one hit “One Step Ahead” and in 1985 the dancehall breakthrough “What One Dance Can Do” off his self titled album, Beres Hammond.
He has collaborated with Reggae’s elite—Marcia Griffiths and Buju Banton who are virtually staples on any Beres tour—and has worked with legendary producers Willie Lindo, Steely and Clevie, and Philip “Fattis” Burrell, to name a few. In 1990, his album A Love Affair from Donovan Germain’s Penthouse label raised his popularity to new heights. Cuts like “Tempted To Touch” and “Who Say” with Buju Banton are still huge in the dancehall today.
During the ‘90s, Beres blazed a trail of modern classics for a variety of producers, from the strugglers’ anthem “Putting Up Resistance” (Tappa) to lovers’ laments like “Come Back Home” (Star Trail). In 2001, Beres brought us major hits like “They Gonna Talk” and “Rock Away” from his Grammy nominated album Music Is Life. VP Records then released Can’t Stop a Man: The Ultimate Collection in 2003 to commemorate Hammond’s career, and his 2004 album Love Has No Boundaries, which featured his familiar romantic ballads and mid-tempo dancehall grooves.
Tour schedule:
Date Day City/State Venue
1-Jul Wednesday Jacksonville, FL Plush
3-Jul Friday Miami, FL James Earl Knight Center
4-Jul Saturday Tampa-St Peterburg, FL Ritz Theater
5-Jul Sunday Orlando, FL Hard Rock Café
7-Jul Tuesday Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theater
8-Jul Wednesday Norfolk, VA Norva
10-Jul Friday Atlanta, GA Dreamz Club
11-Jul Saturday Charlotte, NC Neighbor Theater
12-Jul Sunday Washington, D.C. Wolftrap
14-Jul Tuesday Richmond, VA The National
15-Jul Wednesday Brooklyn, NY Academy of Music
16-Jul Thursday Boston, MA Lido
17-Jul Friday Brooklyn, NY Academy of Music
18-Jul Saturday Westchester, NY Westchester Center
19-Jul Sunday Charleston RI Ocean State Reggae Festival
22-Ju Wednesday Ottawa, ON St Joseph Hall
23-Jul Thursday Branford, ON Club Envy
24-Jul Friday Montreal, QC Paramount Theatre
25-Jul Saturday Toronto, ON Downs View Park
26-Jul Sunday St. Catherine, NL CAW
30-Jul Thursday Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
31-Jul Friday Philadelphia, PA The Electric Factory
1-Aug Saturday Hartford, CT Downtown Hartford
2-Aug Sunday Elizabeth, NJ Ritz Theater
5-Aug Wednesday Columbus, OH Ala Rosa
6-Aug Thursday Detroit, MI Majestic Theater
7-Aug Friday Nelson, OH Mid west Reggae Festival
8-Aug Saturday Chicago, IL Martin
10-Aug Monday St. Louis, MO Club Viva
12-Aug Wednesday Minneapolis, MN 1st Ave.
15-Aug Saturday Calgary, AB International Reggae Festival
17-Aug Monday Vancouver BC Commodore Ballroom
18-Aug Tuesday Seattle, WA Studio 7
19-Aug Wednesday Eurka, CA TBA
21-Aug Friday San Francisco, CA Regency Center Grand Ballroom
22-Aug Saturday San Diego, CA Wave House
23-Aug Sunday Los Angeles, CA Sports Arena
24-Aug Monday Phoenix, AZ TBA
25-Aug Tuesday Santa Fe, NM Sante Fe Brewing
27-Aug Thursday Austin, TX TBA
28-Aug Friday New Orleans, LA House of Blues
29-Aug Saturday Houston, TX Royal Palace
30-Aug Sunday Dallas, TX House of Blues
Buy Beres Hammond recordings:
- In North America: A Moment in Time
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
