Dennis Brown – Visions of Dennis Brown LP

Description

“Following a series of early single releases for various Jamaican engineers, singerDennis Brownentered a particularly prolific partnership with producerJoe Gibbs. The two worked together from the mid-’70s to the early ’80s.Visions(1977) presents Brown as a roots-based singer with major crossover potential. The smooth, reassuring quality of his voice and his comfortable range would seem to make him the obvious choice for an American label seeking an international success story. Brown’s subject matter spans the spectrum of Rasta concerns, detailing economic suffering, African oppression, deep religious conviction, and a strong political consciousness. The potency of such themes is tempered only by the inevitable lovers rock of ‘Love Me Always’ and a take onRay Charles‘ ‘This Little Girl of Mine.’ Throughout, Brown delivers pleas to his people to follow the virtuous path. It’s a sentiment that becomes particularly poignant with ‘Stay at Home,’ the tale of a young runaway. Carrying the musical weight is a typically seasoned set of session players including appearances by the dream horn team ofBobby Ellis(trumpet),Vin Gordon(trombone),Herman Marquis, andTommy McCook(saxophones).” —Nathan Bush/AMG