When we hear the term “love song” we naturally
think of a song expressing romance or like sentiments, leaving out songs of freedom, peace, motivation, hope,
unity etc. that seek to caringly point people in positive directions. A classic example is the great reggae anthem,
“One Love” by the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley. In fact, the music of Joseph Hill,
Dennis Brown, and Jimmy Cliff, on which many Jamaicans grew up, preached so
much love that it appreciably became one of the defining factors of the reggae
genre.
Music needs no help – take the words
out and it is still complete. However, with the help of music, singers have
managed to convey lessons, messages and joy to people of all ages across many
cultures. The music that Bryan Art happily shares with the world on this
self-titled album expresses love in all these forms. It reflects devotion to
spiritual, moral, social, and emotional uplift of individuals from anywhere.
The multifaceted artist, husky voiced
singer, witty songwriter and consummate musician deliver with passion and
meaning. Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, just walking distance from Nine miles, the
birth place of the great Bob Marley whose influence can also be heard on this
album, Bryan Art just like the late singer, eventually moved to Kingston where
he did Latin American & Jazz Studies at the Edna Manley College of the
Visual and Performing Arts.
While in school Bryan Art was
discovered by George Miller (band leader), who gave him his first big break -
an opportunity to tour as guitarist and member of the “Fire House Crew” then
backing band for Grammy Nominee Luciano, Sizzla and Mikey General. With that
experience, he later became cofounder and bandleader of Bushman’s backing band “Grass
Roots” with whom he did tours of several countries. When he wasn’t touring,
Bryan Art was either teaching classroom music, or pursuing his long time dream
of singing. He has also written songs for artistes such as George Nooks,
Singing Melody, Bushman, Luciano and Etana.
Today, devoted to his singing career,
The “Best New Artist” for the year 2002 by ER,TVJ, has done splendidly on many
major shows including, Rebel Salute 2006, 2007 and 2011, Jamaica Jazz and Blues
Festival 2011 and 2012, Reggae Fever 2009 and 2011, ATI, Fully Loaded, St. Mary
Mi Come From, Unity Splash, Summer Sizzle, and Manchester Fiesta. Art has also
been on tours in the United States, Canada, Europe and The Caribbean.
Representing a new generation of music
that keeps in the tradition of stars who shone before him, those who inspired
him, including the great Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Toots
Hibbert, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding to name a few, Bryan Art
continues even on this 13 track feature, to bring creativity and a fresh voice
to the art form.
Out of an abundance of great work, this
album was sorted and compiled based on votes from members of a loyal team who
express great difficulty with the task of having to choose between “pure excellence
and sure excellence.” However there were the inevitable singles like “Get It”
which gradually became a household chorus in Jamaica and continues to spread
perennially. “Murder Dem a Play” which features the commanding voice of Queen
Ifrica was a must. Warrior King brought a fresh sound to as early as the 3rd
track entitled “New Day” and for balance; we needed the insightful “Hawkeye”
with “Second Class”. It can’t be an easy job fitting into the busy schedule of
“the fireman” “Capleton” but according to the producer, same Bryan Art; “preparation
meets opportunity equals Dem Fass”.
Bryan Art: “Good Reggae music is
immortal and my purpose is to be an international oracle for the message of
this music”.
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