Middle-aged reggae from Stevie Face

Jamaican singer Stevie Face – who has had several number one hits in his native Jamaica – has recently released his third album. My Time is, just like its predecessor Tell It Like It Is, mostly produced by award-winning producer Paul “Computer Paul” Henton.

The set is an 18 track combination of lovers rock, well-known covers and more rootsy efforts. It’s mostly slick and smooth and expect song titles like Never Give Up On You and Missing You So Much along with lines like “I’m not leaving, I need you in my life, baby, I may not have so much to give, no fancy cars, no privilege, but this is certain, my love is genuine” and “you got me weak in the knees, I can’t even sleep, believe me, baby”.

Da Lovin’ Yah Nice is lead single off the set. It’s an infectious effort voiced over a vintage Studio One riddim. Two collaborations are also included. Both with UK artists. One with Jack Radics and one with sophisticated lovers rock star Adele Harley.

Together with Adele Harley Stevie Face takes on Brotherhood of Man’s folk-pop classic United We Stand and it comes complete with orchestral strings and a grand chorus. Just as majestic is a bouncy version of U2’s Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.

Stevie Face has a powerful tenor voice and My Time is a mature and catchy album with a rich sound, and it will probably go very well with more traditional reggae fans.

Advertisement

The Jamaican band craze continues

P-E-N-T-A-T-E-U-C-H, Pentateuch. Try to spell this band name quick. I have, and I wasn’t too successful. Fortunately though, Pentateuch’s music is easier to get acquainted with.

This hard-spelled band has taken their name from the first five books of the Old Testament and is one of the latest additions in the recent Jamaican band craze fueled by veterans such as Dubtonic Kru.

They formed in 2009 at the legendary Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston and their debut single Black Face led to a collaboration with producer Paul “Computer Paul” Blake, who has helmed production on their debut album The Genesis, which also happens to be the name of the first book in the Old Testament.

This 14 track set with a distinct 70’s UK feel to it features mostly roots reggae with lyrics dealing with familiar themes such as emancipation, equality and repatriation.

But it also boasts smooth lovers cuts like Changed Girl and the acoustic Unwritten. Most surprising is however the closing tune Nothing But Love, a track with a clear 80’s soul vibe with its pulsating bass lines, pounding drums, rock guitar and a memorable keyboard hook.

Kevor Williams’ fragile and gentle singing is at its best in the up-tempo tunes, especially the Bunny Wailer cover Armagideon and Kingston, which is very similar to early Black Uhuru with its haunting backing vocals.

The Genesis bodes well for future releases and shows that there is still an interest for Jamaican bands and live recorded music.