Jamaica music ambassador Richie Stephens
Gentleman, who is currently in Jamaica putting the finishing touches on the new disc was very upbeat about the project.
“It is nice to see how things have turned out with the album. We have some excellent songs that fans are gonna really enjoy” he said.
“The project came out of a natural vibe between the two of us without being planned. We put a lot of work into the songs and I am very happy with the finished product.”
The 12 track disc will feature 6 duets including ‘Jah Is Not Sleeping,’ ‘I Found Heaven’ and previous released singles ‘Life your Life’ and ‘Warrior.’ Also to be included on the disc are six solo tracks (three from each artiste) including ”Drift Away’ and ‘Dutty Soul’ from Stephens and Gentleman respectively.
‘This is probably one of the most sophisticated album I have ever recorded“ Stephens bragged.
“We have a little something for everyone including an old school track that fans are really gonna love. The rest of the album is just as impressive” he said.
Given the good working vibes he has with Gentleman, the decision to do an album of duets was a no brainer Stephens said.
“Gentleman is the consummate professional and an extremely hard worker. We have a musical connection that brings out the best in us” he gushed.
Gentleman and Stephens’ whirlwind success started in 2011 with their first recording “Live Your Life” which topped reggae charts in New York, Florida, Atlanta and was voted the ‘Best International Song’ at the 2011 Stone Love Awards in Kingston. The video clip for the song also won the award for ‘Best Music Video’ at the 2012 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in Chicago this year. The pair have also enjoyed several electrifying performances in Germany, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Croatia where Stephens was the special guest of Gentleman. Their most memorable performance was before a crowd of 750,000 in Poland, at the biggest festival in the world — Woodstock. This was followed by another stellar performance at the 2012 Jazz & Blues Festival in Trewlany, Jamaica.
Stephens and Gentleman will give fans a taste of songs from their new album along with other favorites when the perform at the American Friends of Jamaica Ball in Manhattan on Thursday, October 25 and the official album launch slated for Friday, October 26, 2012 at Mingles Cafe in the Bronx. Dub Master Chris, radio host of Irie Jam Radio in NY will be serve as MC for the launch.
