Marley inspired his reggae love
The musical seeds that reggae legend Bob Marley planted in Japan almost four decades ago are sprouting in the form of “Reggae Loves Romance Vol. 2,” a collection of tunes from VP Records is handpicked by Japan-born Eisaku (Selector A) Yamaguchi.
The fourth album in the “Reggae Loves” series features music from Tarrus Riley, Maxi Priest, Sanchez, Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure and others.
The executive producer of the soon-to-be released compilation, Yamaguchi was personally moved by Marley and reggae music, when the late great performer toured Japan in 1979. With his Wailers band, Marley played concerts at venues in Tokyo and Osaka.
“I was still a youngster when Bob Marley played Japan, but his visit had a lasting impact on me and is the main reason I am so in love with reggae music today,” said Yamaguchi. “His visit flung the door open for other reggae artists that followed, including Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Buju Banton, Sanchez, Beenie Man and even youngsters like Chronixx and Protoje who are creating their own legacy," he said.
The album’s selections include Riley’s “Superman; “If I Gave You My Heart" from Priest; “Forever” by Sanchez; “Perfect Love Song” by Morgan Heritage; Jah Cure’s “Show Love, “I See It In You” by Freddie McGregor; and Beres Hammond’s “There For You.”
Noting the romance theme of his upcoming production, Yamaguchi (inset with album) said he has once again turned to Marley for inspiration.
“While most people associate Marley’s music with hard-hitting cultural songs that deal with social issues, equal rights and justice, his powerful love songs like ‘No Woman No Cry,’ ‘Baby We’ve Got a Date,’ ‘Guava Jelly,’ ‘Is This Love,’ ‘Stir It Up,’ ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low,’ ‘Could You Be Loved’ and ‘Satisfy My Soul’ are alluring. When Marley sings ‘I’ll push the wood, then I'll blaze your fire,’ or ‘I wanna love you and treat you right,’ these are seductive ballads that are right up there with the best of the best,” Yamaguchi said. “Reggae Loves Romance Vol. 2” will be available on online platforms staring May 11.
Women in Power Awards
Cloyette Harris-Stoute, founder of Guyanese Girls Rock, and Jamaica-born Sandra McCarty, co-founder of Caribbean Business Connections, are among the honorees at the Women in Power Awards in Brooklyn on Thursday, from 6:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Commons, 495 Flatbush Ave.
Presented by the Ladies of 3rd Thursday organization, McCarty, HarrisStoute and the other honorees are entrepreneurs, CEOs of their own companies, corporate managers or individuals “making a difference within their community.”
Every throughout March, an honoree will be highlighted.
For information and a full list of honorees, visit bit.ly/womeninpower2018. day