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worked as a sound engineer in Jamaica for
two years, toured with the Itals, is the
official opening act for the Prezident Brown
tour of 2007/2008, now comes with an
all-star list of true Reggae legends playing
on his début album and even a DUB mixed by
none other than the mighty Scientist
himself.
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!
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