Duane Stephenson :: Black Gold :: VP Records

as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"Why do you always look behind?
Whatever you're looking for you, will not find
You've been down that road before
So I know you can't find love, cause there's no open door
But in me, is a desire, to love you endlessly
And in me, burns the fire of great possibilities
I know your heart's frozen, your soul's broken
I'll melt with flame away - the fire is in me"

It's not every day you hear a reggae performer who could double for an soul singer from Detroit sans the Jamaican accent, but Duane Stephenson is not your every day recording artist. The 34 year old dread was originally the lead singer and songwriter for a successful vocal group called To-Isis, until in 2007 he decided to branch out on his own and try his luck as a soloist on "From August Town." The title track and the album both won praise from critics who appreciated both the range of his voice and the fearless way he documented the good and bad of his poverty stricken and war-torn Kingston community. Regrettably I missed that solo debut but having listened to "Black Gold" I think I'm going to have to go back and check it out. Stephenson is quite a wonder for the ear to behold. His accent and pronunciations are still wrapped in the island nation he hails from, but so powerful is his vocal tone and the diaphragm which pushes it out over the microphone that almost every word will make perfect sense to even the most jaded listener who thinks they can't understand Carribean music. "Fire In Me" above is a great example of his clear spoken croon, as is the stirring track "Truth Is":

"One more time me ask dem kill with the bombs
and the weapons of mass destruction
Spread some love to the heart of the sons and daughters
We are robot without instruction
Turbulence'll rock dem boat
And every day now the rain dem a soak
Dem still have the breath of life, Jah must know why
He never let them children die
So why YOUUUU, think you know the best for all?
When we rise them want fi see us fall?
And why YOUUUU never seem to realize
That no matter what you hear we cry"

The album is largely and ably produced by reggae sax legend Dean Fraser, and the sound fits Stephenson's moods on each of the 14 tracks like a glove. The powerful and provocative classic roots melody of "Jah Works" harkens to the best of Bob Marley and the Wailers' songs. The brassy and boisterous backdrop of "Cycle Goes On" is Stephenson's plaintive ode to the negative cycle of death in Kingston: "Can we seek a resolution? Why can't we change the situation?" Why indeed. "Woman" may be one of the most understated song titles in history - it gives you no idea just how heartfelt his ode to the better half is or how ideally the use of piano and slowly drummed tempo explains how "she's the only one who can make you feel like man." Fellas, turn the lights down low and don't be afraid of the incense for once - this one is gonna get you laid. "Stay at Home" with Queen Ifrica is one of several fun and jazzy collaborations on the album, standing shoulder to shoulder with "Soon As We Rise" with Ras Shiloh and the guitar rock tinged "Rescue Me" with Gramps Morgan.

Now obviously RR is not a primarily reggae themed website, and I've many times acknowledged I would not profess to be an expert on the genre even though I've been a fan and follower almost as long as I have for hip-hop music and culture. That being said there's the only saying "I may not know art but I know what I like when I see it" and I would say the exact same of Duane Stephenson. His voice is truly a revelation - in terms of the power of his voice I'd rank him right up there with Barrington Levy. Some people may consider that sacrilege but I'll stand by it having enjoyed "Black Gold" thoroughly from start to finish. The strength of his clarion Carribean call would be muted if paired with poor production, but thankfully VP Records has recognized this blossoming reggae artist for the star he should be and ensured he gets a high quality jam for every song laid down in the studio. The result is that "Black Gold" is a very fitting name for both this album and this artist. Don't miss him.

Music Vibes: 8 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 8 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 8 of 10

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN WILL ‘COME WHERE YOU GOING’

Reggae sensation Christopher Martin will next week shoot the video for his fast rising hit Come Where You Going. The song was produced earlier this summer at Big Yard Studios in Kingston by new dancehall riddim duo Richard ‘Mosiah’ Pearson and Hanif ‘Rizzla’ Chito of Mosiah Musik.

Pearson of Mosiah Musik says he is happy with the reception and wants to use the video to give the song added traction: “I love the cross over vibe that the song has and with Chris it was a perfect combination. We expected the song to do well but we never expected people to catch on to it so quickly. The video will be very colourful but nothing too elaborate, just something that will keep the fans interested. If you look at some of the recent videos on MTV and BET right now you will notice that they are very simple but colourful and eye catching, that’s the image we are looking for”.

Come Where You Going has been receiving tremendous airplay on several of Jamaica’s top radio stations as well as stations in the Caribbean and in Europe, especially Germany. The video will be filmed next week in Kingston byvideo director Gareth Cobran of I.D Studios who has worked with some of the best artistes in the Jamaican music business - from Peta Morgan to Busy Signal.

Christopher Martin, who’s career seems to have taken on new intensity since the start of the year, believes the song transcends dancehall and reggae and is set to be his next international hit: “The vibe of this track is one that I know appeals to my fans not only here in Jamaica and the Caribbean but also in North America and Europe. It's been getting tremendous support on radio stations like Zip fm and Fame FM in Jamaica and 99Jams in Miami so we thought that with a song like this a video is needed to really convey the true imagery.”

Christopher Martin, who has been doing very well in Europe with his collaboration To The Top with German Reggae star Gentleman, will, after the video shoot, jet off to Germany for a series of recording sessions with Ben Bazzazian who is best most known for his work on Gentleman’s last album Diversity.

The video for Come Where You Going will feature a host of special effects and is expected to hit the world in just a few weeks. Cobran says the video will be one to look out for: “Everyone will be pleased with the final cut and how it portrays Chris’ persona and infectious music style. We’re sure it will help him achieve further acclaim in Europe and the rest of the world, mirroring his local success.”

DUANE STEPHENSON: BLACK GOLD

HEINEKEN RIVER SUNDAYS GIVES BACK

This month will see Coppershot, Danger Zone, Mega Watt and Black Love providing the entertainment.

Heineken River Sundays, St Elizabeth’s number one monthly party has decided to take patrons back to school this month. The event which is held at Grossman River in Braes River every first Sunday has prided itself over the last six months on bringing positive entertainment to the masses and the promoters plan to make this Sunday’s instalment bigger and better. Every month is a new theme and every month there is added niceness for the patrons who travel from as far as St James and Kingston to enjoy music by the riverside.

As was promised part proceeds from Heineken River Sundays will go towards community development and the promoters have decided to use some proceeds from past events to purchase schools supplies for needy students from the community. Danger Zone Music Group, Frassman Entertainment and Nuwave Entertainment will also make a significant cash donation to one of the schools in the area which is in need.

Ronny ‘Frassman’ White of Frassman Promotions explains the logic behind this decision: “The community has helped to make Heineken River Sundays the number one event in St Elizabeth every month. When we started the event we did it with the aim of helping to rebuild the economy of Braes River and surrounding areas and this donation is apart of that commitment”.

CEO of Danger Zone Music Group Delmar ‘Della Danger’ Drummond says the event will continue to aid in the development of the community: “Everybody is talking about Heineken River Sundays. Every month this area is covered with patrons and vendors. There are many people who make a living from this event alone and we want to continue to expand the event so next year we can make bigger donations to schools in the area and buy more books and other stationary for the needy children going back to school.

This Sunday’s Heineken River Sundays is dubbed the ‘Back to School Edition’ and will see a party for adults beginning at 7pm. This month will see Coppershot, Danger Zone, Mega Watt and Black Love providing the entertainment. Drummond's Catering will be cooking up some of St Elizabeth’s and Jamaica’s finest dishes such as pork, chicken, fish and various vegetarian specials.

This staging of Heineken River Sundays is destined to be another success. The admission is free, it’s a Heineken event so you should be 18 and older to drink, drink responsibly. Sunday September 5 is a date not to be missed when once again St Elizabeth will come alive.