In past years they have been ‘ Down By The River’ and also ‘Brooklyn and Jamaica’ but Roots Reggae quintet Morgan Heritage announced the independent release of their new album, ‘Strictly Roots’, through their own label CTBC (Cool to be Conscious) Music Group on 15th June.
The album has already reached no. 1 on the US iTunes Reggae Chart, and features a wide variety of guest performers, including platinum-selling dancehall phenomenon Shaggy, American reggae and R&B vocalist J Boog, Eric Rachmany of Rebelution, Bobby Lee of Grammy-nominated SOJA and fresh Jamaican reggae sensation, Chronixx.
The group have also enlisted BBC Radio 1/BBC 1Xtra’s Seani B, who co-produced the featured vibrant lead single, ‘Perform and Done’, set for UK release on 25th May. The single itself has been recognised crossed the globe and spotlighted by Billboard, while album track ‘So Amazing’ Recently debuted on Yahoo.
The children of legendary reggae artist Denroy Morgan, siblings Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Gramps Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Lukes Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Mr. Mojo Morgan (percussion/vocals), have come together to create a carefully crafted album with the structure to keep the music fresh throughout. The group have also celebrated their musical heritage with collaborations with third generation ambassadors from the Morgan and Marley families, Jemere Morgan and Jo Mersa Marley.
In order to release ‘Strictly Roots’, the group decided to found their own record label, and the album marks their first independent release: an effort that Una Morgan hopes will be “an additional example for others to follow’”.
Having established themselves as the premiere live act on the reggae circuit and proven in their Sheffield performance last year! Their passionate desire to make their already rich musical legacy even more impactful is clearly one that inspires. Eric Rachmany says: “It’s an honor to collaborate with Morgan Heritage. In my eyes they are one of the best reggae bands of all time”.
Part of what makes this story so remarkable is the group’s commitment to causes they believe in: their current tour of North America sees them partner with Oxfam America, a global organisation working to right the wrongs of poverty, hunger, and injustice, who will be on site for select shows.
Morgan Heritage also looks forward to bringing their incredible live performances to Europe later this year, whilst the full LP is perfectly set for a scorching summer release this June. On Reggae Roots & Bass we’ve championed the ‘Child Of Jah’ Collaboration with Chronixx, one of the strongest records on the album, which oozes positivity and an amazingly catchy hook!.
By Liam Monaghan
