Gregory Isaacs – New Dance LP

Description

One of the most popular and high profile of Jamaican reggae vocalists,Gregory Isaacswas a rough diamond who clawed his way out of the harsh western Kingston ghetto with an instantly recognizable voice that was wonderfully emotive, expressing both his toughness and determination for betterment, as well as the bleeding heart of a vulnerable lover.New Danceis one of the excellent mid-1990s dancehall albums expertly produced byAnthony Dehaney, aliasBunny Gemini, working as usual with theFirehouse Crew, this time withFatman ThompsonofKing Tubby‘s studio at the mixing desk and guitaristLascelles Beckfordof theGifted Rootsband as special guest. As usual, Gregory rides the rhythms with considerable aplomb, feeling completely natural atop the hard-edged rhythms and tackling a range of topics along the way. Much of the album deals with love lost, love gained, and love deferred; “Say A Special Prayer” revamps the evergreen “Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On” and “New Dance” salutes the allure of dancehall music in the open air. This is one of Mr. Isaacs’ better offerings from the mid-1990s, worth getting to know if you’re not already familiar with it, and a must-have if you’ve worn out your original copy.