For new music I primarily check the 100’s of seven
inch singles release weekly from Jamaica. It is almost a full time job
keeping up to date and checking the new 7”. For a full length record to
grab me is rare, and It takes a super strong sound to garner my
attention.
My ears are perked up to the fullness when I heard
the debut record from the Virgin Island’s
PRESSURE.
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Pressure was exposed to music at a young age
due to his father being a member of a popular local band. He
started playing drums and trumpet at age 9, but it wasn't until
age 12 that he developed a passion for singing. After several
talent shows and being a member of Star Lion Family, a group of
young men that brought several V.I. communities together through
their music, Pressure gained the experience to pursue a solo
career.
Influenced by foundation artists such as Bob
Marley and Peter Tosh and inspired by artists of today including
Capleton and Sizzla, Pressure's music reflects a positive and
conscious vision. His mission is to heal the world with music
starting with his debut album “The Pressure Is On”, which contains
tracks with titles such as “Live What U Talk”, “Light in You”, “No
Limitation”, and “Zion is Home”. In the midst of his messages of
upliftment, Pressure takes time out to honor our mothers and
sisters with songs such as “Mama”, “Ancient Woman”, “In My World”,
and “I Tried”.
The album was produced by a South Florida based duo, Dean Pond and
Eno Stafford of Studio 340 and features a guest appearance by Glen
Washington.
As Pressure would say, “take good advice as you trod on your way,
give a helping hand, read your Psalms and pray, the limit is the
sky, and that' s the reason why we sing the music every day.
There's No Limitation.” |
My first introduction to this rising roots singjay
came while working as the emcee for the fabulous Warren Smith and the
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2005. I was blessed to co host the
St. Croix Roots Explosion, an amalgamation of heartfelt real Rasta
Virgin Island artists including the rising Bamboo Station. If you love
Midnight, make sure and dig deeper into the Virgin Islands for gems like
Bamboo Station.
With almost ten different singers showcased that
Sunday at SNWMF, one artist took the trophy for updated, fresh approach
to his craft
Since that day I have been searching, calling and
emailing to get
PRESSURE’s
debut record. Finally in early September the record surfaced and the
wait was worth every minute.
‘THE PRESSURE IS ON’ is ON full force and will
launch this talented singjay to the heights, remember these words in the
coming years. It proves once and for all that great reggae music does
not have to born and grown in Jamaica.
“My big inspriators Peter Tosh, Sizzla, Capleton,
Jah Cure and many more inspire me and I blend all of the different
styles together,” reasons
PRESSURE
in an exclusive I-view. “On my debut record, there are a lot of sounds
that people have never heard and it has a broad appeal to reach out to
many different people and not just the young people. And for the young
people I ask you to set your goals and stay focused as there are “NO
LIMITATIONS” so keep the faith.”
Upon my first listening, my ear heard the
influences from new school foundation artist’s Anthony B, Sizzla,
Capleton and Turbulence with one major difference,
PRESSURE’s
always sings in tune.
The record opens with an encouraging anthemic
title track calling out all the worldwide massive’s where reggae is
top-a top.
Then
PRESSURE
continues to slew dem with new concepts as well as time tested
aspirations that never sound rehashed. Check it “GANJA” “MAMA” “ZION IS
HOME’s”
prayer in song where red gold and green laces
finally get a mention, and “LIVE WHAT U TALK” takes the concept to the
higher level, not just an aspiration but as way of life “words without
work can’t impress us”
Although
THE
PRESSURE IS ON is modern roots in intention, the dancehall krewe
gets their portion on the Middle East dancehall riddim flavored “ANCIENT
WOMAN” exalting the virtuous woman and “IN MY WORLD”
a laidback dancehall smasher where it is finally
said “She wants a Rastaman she don’t want no hippie”
The only double combination showcases veteran Glen
Washington alongside
PRESSURE
on the updated roots
reggae of “When They Come.” Hopeful, imperative
and
inspirational, it soothes the soul like roots
reggae was originally designed to do.
The roots party celebration “FEEL SO RIGHT” burns
fire that recaptures the vibes inna the dancehall in Kingston, on the
beach in the VI or clubbing in Colorado.
The melodica flavored Far East sound of “BUST DEM
BRAIN” is classic reggae and my favorite. An upfull almost happy riddim
track soars while
PRESSURE
cries of oppression and redemption in the tradition of Joseph Hill and
Culture.
This record has Dean Pond’s stamp all over it,
maybe that’s why Culture keeps coming into my head. Dean Pond was a
member of the Mid-Atlantic based DUB MYSTIC who became Culture’s backing
band in 1996 and now operates his 340 STUDIO in Hollywood, Florida.
Along with executive producer Anthony Blyden,
PRESSURE’s
debut has hit bound ingredients and with proper promotions THE PRESSURE
IS ON could be one of year’s biggest new school Rasta releases.
PRESSURE
further confirms his intention, “Rastafari is the oldest livity known to
man - a natural way of life. When GOD created humankind we were created
without scissors and comb. Eat natural and have principles, keep the
Sabbath holy and treat you brothers and sisters as you treat yourself in
honor of the king who sat on the throne of David.”
Time will tell, but I see a bright future in
PRESSURE
if he studies the live performance skills of Luciano or Anthony B,
records as many tunes as he can for the producers to keep fresh in the
7” market and can make more long lasting quality long play releases like
THE PRESSURE IS ON.
Let he who
have ears, buy it at
