He calls it a "Diamond in the Rough", though...

Is Andrew Diamond just humble, or are we to expect a whole lot more from this remarkable artist?

Time to check out this "Diamond in the Rough", available from CD Baby for a modest price. 

And we'll start by the Cover Art, which is truly well worked-out. Not only does it contain all the necessary information, everything pleasantly presented on the form of a photo-collage showing the artists that worked on the album as well as Andre Diamond himself.

"Diamond in the Rough", right?

Right.

The first thing you'll notice when you play the music, is the clean production. Not clean in the wrong sense of the word, though. This is the kind of production that incorporates digital technology without sounding like music-from-a-box if you know what I mean...

The music is played and programmed by what can only be described as an all-star list of musicians: Bongo Herman, Dwight Pickney and Flabba Holt are just three names of Reggae Originators giving acte d'presence.  Horns, percussion, an excellent keyboard section and some crucial guitar too.

Although the album is recorded in the USA and Jamaica, and contains a wide variety of Reggae styles from Dancehall to Roots, everything is mixed into one vibe and this vibe is crucial, as I  would say!

Apart from guest appearances of Queen Ifrica and Prezident Brown, we'll hear Andrew Diamonds friendly and heartical voice as he sings about a wide variety of topics ranging from sharing Jah love to chanting down Babylon in a disarming way. 

Respectful renderings of well-known tracks like Black Uhuru's "Love Crisis" (with a skillful DUB by Scientist) only enhance the genuine and heartical vibe that will definitely appeal to the heart and soul of the true lover of Reggae Music.

In the meantime, Brother Andrew definitely feels right at home, riding one crucial riddim after the other. Some are well-known yet in a different interpretation, where others are brand new. A consistent quality of word, sound and power.

When you're looking for a Diamond in the Rough, search no more.

And expect this Diamond to Rise and Shine, too!