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This compilation was released on Leroy Brown's record company: Dakarai Music International, in Canada. You'll hear 4 fine riddims with songs by Leroy Brown and several of his friends.
This Jamaican-born singer, songwriter, artist & producer knows how to put soul into his voice and songs, having already more than 30 year of experience in reggae music! He started his career while still living in Jamaica, being an original member of The Emotions, the well-known Jamaican group in the late 60's led by Max Romeo. After Max Romeo went solo, Leroy started a new group that included Aston 'Family Man' Barrett and his brother Carlton Barrett, called Hippie Boys. In 1971 he moved to Canada, where Leroy studied at the Royal Ontario Conservatory of Music.
3 Years ago, he made a comeback, being a truly respected man in the world of reggae who received many Canadian Reggae Music Awards and JUNO-awards. First riddim (1-5) you'll hear is Heartache, with the title-track by Leroy 'Artist' Brown. It's a cover (Vic Taylor) that was nominated for 5 awards in 2002. Second artist is Glen Washington, singing: "This world would be better place, if people from all kinds of race, could prosper in love and unity...". 'That Smile' brings him a feeling of passion and desire, original lyrics. Nana McLean, also an original Studio One recording artist, delivers a great vocal performance on her track 'Got To Move On'. Leroy Junior, son of Leroy Brown, certainly draws my attention with a cover version of 'I Believe In Music' (Mac Davis). He's a young artist with a powerful voice that worked already with greats such as Alton Ellis and Sly & Robbie. 'Fall In Love' is the last one on this riddim and sung by Belinda Brady, using a sweet voice for a sweet song. Belinda got her first big break in reggae music while working with Grammy Award winner Shaggy as a singer and dancer.
Second riddim (6-8) is called Rental, with Leroy Brown singing 'Rent A Tile'... He got rewarded for this tune by winning another JUNO-award in 2004! Glen Washinton is wicked also: 'The Way You Hold Me' is another song for the ladies, expressing emotions of love with his wonderful and truly unique voice. Nana McLean brings us 'Na Na's Medley', truly expressing emotions in her voice.
Third riddim (9-12) is a reworked version of The Heptones classic 'Party Time' tune (1977). Glen Washington is again expressing his love for a new girl in his life in the tune 'Feel So Nice'... And again: this entertainer certainly knows how to nice up the dance! Up next is Leroy Junior with 'Give Love Another Try', good lyrics and I hear a true vocal talent with a lot of capabilities. Original reggae veteran Alton Ellis and Lorrainne Scott are singing a nice version of the all-famous track 'La, La Means I Love You' (written by Thom Bell & William Hart). Lorraine Scott has a steady voice, earned several awards and has worked with singers like Beres Hammond, Jeff Healey and even Celine Dion. Again the last one on this riddim is done by Audley Rollen, also a previous member of The Emotions and Hippie Boys, singing another sweet lovers rock tune that's called 'Let's Stay Together'.
Fourth and last riddim (13-14) is a nice version of 'I'll Be Lonely', which was a big hit by John Holt on the Studio One label. Belinda Brady sings with a beautiful voice in her song 'Find Strenght' and I noticed she can do nice backing vocals too. The last song on this album is the cover of 'I'll Be Lonely' by Leroy Brown himself, a singer that lives for this music... Nowadays he's working on a new album and promoting his new single 'Perfidia', produced by Willie Lindo and Robbie Shakespeare. 7" singles are available, for those that play vinyl. Sweet reggae music to rock the nation! Nuff respect. Blessed.