VP Records is set ti release the double-disc collection, We Remember Gregory Isaacs, on August 16, 2011. Saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser assembled an all-star cast of contemporary singers and musicians to pay homage to the icon.
“When my friend Gregory passed away last year, I wanted to express my appreciation for our musical association and love for him as a close friend. We’d performed together all over the world through the late ‘70s and ‘80s when I was a member of We The People and later with Sly & Robbie. I decided to do a tribute album, but had no money to produce it. I reached out to the reggae community and was overwhelmed by people’s willingness to give their time and talents to make this vision real,” explains Fraser.
We Remember Gregory Isaacs presents sixteen of the legendary vocalists’ most loved songs sung by artists including Tarrus Riley, Etana, Romain Virgo, J Boog, Gyptian and Duane Stephenson. Including his classic hits like “Front Door,” “Mr Brown,” “Night Nurse,” “Storm,” “Soon Forward,” “Tune In,” “My Number One,” “The Border,” “Love Is Overdue” and “Red Rose” and obscure favorites such as “My Only Lover” and “Stranger In Town,” the legacy of Gregory Isaacs lives on with this stellar collection. The album also includes extensive liner notes and a bonus disc of instrumental versions by Dean Fraser.
“I recorded the instrumental versions in a day or so. As I listened back to the tracks I felt like adding vocals could be an even greater tribute. Having worked closely with Duane Stephenson and Tarrus Riley they were the first people I called with the idea. When we started voicing, certain artists just seemed right for particular songs so, we went with the vibe. It’s exciting to me that these younger performers will bring Gregory’s music to a whole new generation of reggae fans,” Fraser adds.
TRACK LISTING
Disc 1- Vocal selections
Front Door – Tarrus Riley
Top Ten – Hezron
All I Have Is Love – Natel
My Number One – Gyptian
Mr. Brown – Jah Cure
Cool Down The Pace – J Boog
My Only Lover – Etana
Love Is Overdue – D Major
Soon Forward – Cherine Anderson
Hard Drugs – Busy Signal
Night Nurse – Romain Virgo
Storm – Lukie D
Stranger In Your Town – Chris Boomer
Tune In – Alaine
Red Rose For Gregory – Chevaughn
The Border – Duane Stephenson
Disc 2 – Dean Fraser & band play program from disc 1
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
