Leee John interview on Colourful Radio 27-May-2018

Imagination featuring LEEE JOHN presents: “Police and Thieves” the 2018 film from “The Do it Right Now campaign”

Presenting the Police and Thieves music video, duration (3 mins) and short film (11 mins) the brain child of Leee John, lead vocalist and writer of the group Imagination, inspired by his observations of the challenges facing young people today.
His aim, to assist in helping and supporting young people globally to make the right life choices and ultimately achieve their full potential and in turn becoming positive contributors to their communities and society as a whole. The “Do it Right Now”, initiative is a campaign to enhance people to embrace the moment and make the most of life.

From the acclaimed album “Retropia” the music tracks “Do it Right Now” and “Police and Thieves” act as central focus points of a bigger global campaign, which echoes with the message of support and exposure can and WILL change lives.

On 9th June, 2017, Imagination Feat. Leee John released ‘Retropia’ on Cristal Records, the group’s first album release since 2013’s ‘Flashback – The Very Best of Imagination’.

Billed as the group’s penultimate album, ‘Retropia’ features the unmistakable vocals of Leee John set against Imagination’s equally distinctive combination of retro soul, funk and jazz.

Since first lighting up the charts during the 1980s and selling over 30 million records thanks to an impressive run of hits such as ‘Body Talk’, ‘Just An Illusion’, ‘Flashback’, ‘Music & Lights’ and ‘Changes’, the multi-award-winning British soul group’s lead vocalist/songwriter Leee John has enjoyed throughout the years a prolific career as a solo artist, collaborator, songwriter, producer and, more recently, a filmmaker.

And after such a long wait for ‘Retropia’ Leee says fans can expect one more Imagination album: “I always knew ‘Retropia’ was going to eventually happen one day, I just didn’t realise there would be such a long period of time over the years in between. As soon as we finished recording this album it became obvious to me we have one more to go, so I’m now in the unusual position of knowing this is Imagination’s penultimate album.”

The recording process for ‘Retropia’ would become a vital catharsis for Leee, who was coming to terms with the death of his sister Linda and three close friends in the space of a year. Leee said, “I felt like I was in emotional whirlpool; trying to deal with all these deaths and supporting my family, especially my mother who’d lost a daughter, and my best friend’s daughters who’d now lost both parents.”

Understandably, recording the vocals in such circumstances was emotionally demanding. Leee said, “There are several songs on the album that remind me of my sister, including the song ‘Brighter Day’ which I wrote in Munich on the day she had her accident and subsequently passed away 24 hours later. I couldn’t listen to the song – much less sing it – without thinking of her, but I somehow found the inner-strength to realise what I had written was uplifting and had a spiritual sense of dealing with life’s trials. It took so much of my strength to perform it.”

Produced in London in LJ Studios with long-time associate producer/engineer Dee Vaz, and mixed by François Gaucher at Alhambra Studios in Rochford, France, Leee produced, arranged, wrote and co-wrote all the songs on ‘Retropia’, except for the album’s four covers versions: Eddie Kendrick’s ‘Tell Her Love Has Felt The Need’, Junior Murvin’s ‘Police and Thieves’ (a secret bonus track which was co-produced with Dennis Bovell), a collaboration with the Gibson Brothers and acclaimed British blues guitarist Mark Vandergucht on AC/DC’s ‘Highway To Hell’, and another collaboration on Stevie Wonder’s ‘Visions’ with Level 42’s Mike Lindup, which was recorded for the charity SOS Children, of which Leee has been a Patron for the past 18 years.

The album’s co-writes arrive in the form of British R&B group Loose Ends’ keyboard player Steve Nichols on ‘Do It Right Now’ and ‘Secrets’ (which also features Incognito’s Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Manuck on guitar) and Toby Baker on ‘Make Your Mind Up’.

With Retropia dedicated to Imagination’s fans around the world, the set also includes songs which Leee has performed on stage live but, surprisingly, has never placed on any album until now. These songs include ‘Utopia’, ‘Make Your Mind Up’ and ‘Fantasia’, which became an underground classic when Leee put it out in the early ‘90s as a white-label obscurity under the name Johnny X.

Looking ahead to the album’s release, Leee said, “The recording of Retropia got me through a very dark time and gave me the strength to keep in our hearts the spirit of those who are no longer with us. Each song creates a tapestry of time, and the music and the melodies will live on long after we are gone.”

Alan Charles on Colourful Radio DAB 13-May-2018

Alan Charles – Playwright | Poet | Theatre Producer | Director

Alan Charles is a gifted and talented individual who wears the hats of playwright, poet, MOBO award nominee gospel artiste and event’s organizer. Alan uses his God giving talent inspire and uplift his audiences. His style of writing is appealing to all class of people.

Alan’s brand of poetry alongside his conscious, thought provoking, inspired raps and chants has seen him share the stage with some of the biggest black comedians and entertainers in the UK. His artistic gifting has taken him as far afield as North America, The Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Alan’s story telling type poetry made the transition from poet to playwright an easy one and this was evident in his first full length musical stage play “I am getting there”. In this 1996 offering Alan combined his love for music, theatre, poetry and comedy to mark his arrival as playwright of substance. The show was performed at venues throughout the UK.

It would be another 13 years before Alan would return to the theatre to write, produce and direct a full length theatrical production. He marked his return in 2009 with the hit musical comedy stage play “Love Sax and all that Jazz”. A story of 4 female friends and their experiences as it pertained to Love Sex and all that drama. That production would go on to do over 25 performances across the UK and also toured of the Caribbean island of Trinidad at the invitation of the University of the Southern Caribbean.

The play was part of the USC’s 2010 Lyceum series. The programme was designed to provide an opportunity to promote and enhance the intellectual, cultural, and aesthetic aspects of student growth and development through a series of outstanding theatre productions, concerts, and other art forms.

In 2011, Alan teamed up with Trinidadian singer songwriter Vanessa Briggs to stage the hugely successful semi autobiographical musical play “Shoulda Coulda Woulda”. The show which was written and directed by Alan was based on the songs and life of Vanessa Briggs and told the story of triumph over adversity. How music and a faith in God was used to overcome a life of abuse, pain and anger.

In the same year Alan was approached by a youth based organisation (Lives not Knives) that help young people out of gangs, off the streets and into employment and apprenticeship, to write a script tackling gun and knife crime youth culture. That resulted in the musical theatre show entitled “Keep It Moving Cause Time Is Money” The show was staged at Fairfield Hall (Croydon) in the presence of members of parliaments, business leaders and leading figures in education.

In 2012 Alan staged the sequel to “Love Sax and all that Jazz2” entitled “Da Mans Dem”. The show deals with love and relationships from a male perspective. Asking those age old questions what do men want? What defines a man? And why do men cheat?

In 2014, Alan’s aim to tour the production abroad by training and directing local cast was realised with the production of 7 shows in Trinidad & Tobago using a local Trinidadian cast. This was followed by a tour of Barbados with the UK cast. The production has quickly become a source of cultural exchange and appreciation and Focus Arts looks forward to taking the show to both Canada and USA in the very near future.

In between the plays Alan has recorded 2 albums “Da Plan” in 2001 and the MOBO nominated
“Strength ah mi life” album in 2006.

1996 “I am getting there” (Musical Theatre)
2001 “Da Plan” (Debut CD Album)
2006 “Strength ah mi life” (Mobo Award Nominated album)
2009 “Love Sax and all that Jazz” (Musical Theatre)
2010 “Love Sax and all that Jazz” tour Trinidad (Musical Theatre)
2011 “Shoulda Coulda Woulda” (Musical Theatre)
2012 “Da Mans Dem” tour Trinidad (3 shows Trinidad UK Cast)
2014 “Da Mans Dem” tour Trinidad (7 shows in Trinidad, Trini Cast)
2014 “Da Mans Dem” tour Barbados (2 Shows in Barbados UK Cast)
2014 “Da Mans Dem” tour Canada (1 Show in Canada UK Cast)
2015 “Love Sax and all that Jazz (4 shows in Trinidad with Trini cast)
2015 “Love Sax and all that Jazz (2 shows in St Vincent with Trini cast)

Jasmine Murray on Colourful Radio DAB 29-April-2018 

Jasmine Murray was first spotlighted in the music scene in Grenada when a video of her, along with friends, singing Sia’s hit “Chandelier” went viral with over 9 million views. Since then she has become locally (and within the Caribbean) known for her versatility, amazing vocals and energetic performances as “Backpack Girl”.

Her musical genres include: Reggae, RnB and Hip Hop.

She has performed locally at events such as the Naniki Jazz Festival, Ah Night of Love (2015), Ah December to Remember (2015 & 2016), the first Pure Grenada Music Festival (2016) and Ah Night of Love and Consciousness (2016) all alongside the Spice Rock Band.

This year Jasmine had the great honour of performing on the same stage as International Reggae Sensation Chronixx for the Chronology Concert in Grenada.

Jasmine’s original songs include; Cards on the table (Spice Rock Band 2015), Is There A Place (2017 Groovy Soca), Higher Planes (2017 RnB), Low Key ft Deva (2017 Hip Hop)

Notable covers; Chandelier (Sia), No One (Alicia Keys), Luv (Tory Lanez), You needed me (Rihanna), Medication (Damien Jr Gong Marley ft Stephen Marley).

Pure Grenada Music Festival recap on Colourful Radio DAB 22-April-2018

Soul Night with Conception Dance Grenada, Zorina, Jonathan Francis & Sabrina Francis + Alesia Aird

Reggae Night with Black Iron, Thamara Songbird St Bernard, LION PAW MUSIC, Jah9, Protoje & Morgan Heritage.

Caribbean Night with Luni spark & Electrify, Adrian Stern, Nekoyan Sydel Bain, Loxton Mitchell, Jasmine Shenelle Murray, Tammy Baldeo, A#keem, Zamar Band & Alison Hinds aka Alison Hinds, The Caribbean Queen.

Lisa Stansfield on Colourful Radio DAB 08-April-2018

Lisa Stansfield has announced that her new album ‘Deeper’ will be released on April 6 2018 on earMUSIC. The first track to be made available is ‘Everything’ – with its groove, funk, soul and signature vocals, the songs is an exciting taster of what we can expect from the new album.

Written by Lisa and her song-writing partner Ian Devaney, produced by Ian & Mark “Snowboy” Cotgrove, and with Lisa taking the role of executive producer, ‘Deeper’ is the iconic soul singer’s eighth studio album. Speaking about the record the Grammy nominated, multi BRIT, Ivor Novello and Silver Clef Award winner said “creating this album was a wonderful adventure. I really believe there’s a special something in this record. I’m so excited to let it go out into the big wide world with pride.”

Lisa’s contribution to British soul is undeniable with a string of hit singles including ‘All Around The World’, ‘All Woman’, ‘The Real Thing’ and many award winning albums. Her unmistakable voice has been a constant presence on the dance floor and airwaves ever since 1989. Most recently she returned to the Top 20 of the UK album charts with her 7th studio album ‘Seven’. A gorgeous and personal collection of her trademark soul, the 2014 record was a reminder of why Lisa has sold nearly 20 million records worldwide and had a string of international top 10 hits.

Romain Virgo on Colourful Radio DAB 01-April-2018

Lovesick is the perfect title for the latest album from reggae star Romain Virgo. The young, engaging tenor is at his best when expressing both the passions and heartaches of love relationships. His music follows the tradition of fellow ‘crooners’ Percy Sledge, Sam Cooke, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Dennis Brown and Beres Hammond. The lyrical power and emotional depth of his songs go beyond expectations of his age and continue to capture and convert the hearts and souls of fans worldwide.

Lovesick demonstrates an exciting new direction in the artist’s style and flow. “This album is about my personal growth and the new directions we’re taking in the music,” said Romain. “We experimented with styles and genres that we haven’t dared to before. The writing is on a new level too.”

A truly inspired talent, Romain satisfies his loyal reggae following with a constant flow of infectious hooks, while his unique voice as a songwriter and updated “pop reggae” sound place him in a class by himself.
Raised in a disciplined home in the rural town of Stepney in the parish of St. Annes, the young Jamaican is a natural born crooner with an old school soul. He first gained fame when he made history as the youngest winner of Television Jamaica’s (TVJ) popular “Rising Stars” talent competition at just 17-years-old and later by winning Artist of the Year by JaRIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) in 2012. ““Winning ‘Rising Stars’ changed my life completely,” Romain admitted. People didn’t see me as country boy anymore. And I was able to help my family which gave me the best feeling.”

Now, with his third album on the VP Records imprint, Romain Virgo comes into his own. “Over the past few years on the road, we’ve learned what works for the fans, with this album we hope to take it further, going beyond expectations.” The core production for the album comes from Nicholas ‘Niko’ Browne and veterans Shaun ‘Sting International’ Pizzonia (Shaggy, Sting) and Clive Hunt (Abyssinians, Dennis Brown, Alpha Blondy). All lyrics were written or co-written by Romain Virgo.

The lead single “Still” is a love-struck anthem on the Skyscraper riddim, combining 90s dancehall melodies and a pop reggae beat. Riddim producer Richie Stephens, introduced the track to Romain after hearing the up-tempo hit “Now” and its unique and up-tempo energy. “I want people to feel uplifted,” said Romain, commenting on his choice to do more dancehall leaning tracks for LoveSick. “It demonstrates the kind of energy and world I want to create through my music, to make people want to live love.” Anticipation for the music video is growing as the Skyscraper riddim begins its run.

His breakout hit “Now,” a feel-good, energetic track produced by Frenchie of Maximum Sounds, was released in the summer of 2017 alongside an addictively upbeat video filmed in Irish Town and Hope Gardens Kingston, Jamaica. “I was at home when I got the Skank and Wave riddim…I was vibing to it, so I got dressed and went straight to the studio and recorded ‘Now.’ And it came out exactly how we wanted it to sound.” Although the track isn’t based on a personal experience, as is true with many Romain’s songs, he claimed it’s one of his favourites and can see it becoming a mainstream tune.

Another rousing track “Trouble,” produced by Kurt Reilly’s gives fans and new listeners alike a Beres Hammond like feel. Commenting on comparisons to the reggae great Romain said, “to reach the level of a living legend like him you must put in dedication and an endless amount of work.”

LoveSick includes Romain’s stirring version of the Sam Smith smash “Stay With Me.” When I was introduced to the song, I knew I had to record it over a reggae riddim. It’s one of the biggest covers I’ve done so far,” said Romain. “Everywhere we go, the crowds demand “Stay With Me.” People just love it, so it’s become a permanent part of my set.” The song has become a fan favourite across the globe, rivalling popularity with the original version in Japan. Romain, also achieved major success with his cover of Dennis Brown’s “Caress Me,” produced by reggae legend Clive Hunt. “We really spent some time on that song, trying something new with my voice,” he said.

Overall, the album is extremely personal, drawing directly from Romain’s real-life experiences. “These are my life stories in terms of love, of having it, of losing it, of finding it again.” Romain expresses that his calling is to sing about the universality of love in all its multiple guises. “I’m a very emotional person,” Romain said. “And I believe love is the one thing that’s going to save us, not just in terms of relationships, but in the broader human sense.” When asked what message he’d like to convey through his music, Romain didn’t skip a beat. “I personally believe that nothing forms a stronger bond than love. It cuts through race, religion, creed, everything. We need to put it at the centre of our lives.”

Pauline Catlin aka Shezekiel on Colourful Radio DAB 25-March-2018

Formerly of the successful vocal trio Brown Sugar, Pauline Catlin now known as Shezekiel, along with Caron Wheeler and Carol Simms during the 70’s and 80’s were the first British Reggae music trio with a succession of hits and pioneers of the popular genre known today as ‘Lovers Rock’, produced by Dennis Bovell. Now after a 27 year absence Shezekiel has been working with Jazz musician and Producer Wayne Brown on her debut album ‘Catch the Boat’.

Wayne has collaborated with an array of artists as both a writer and producer including Billy Ocean, Ruby Turner, Earth Wind and Fire, Junior Giscombe, Stevie Winwood, Jonathan Butler, George Michael, Janet Kay, Lulu, Yazz and played with jazz greats such as Coleman Hawkins and Tal Farlow. Wayne went on to sell several million records as a writer and producer with his international top 5 hits ‘Heartache’ and ‘Goodbye Stranger’. The first album ‘The Jazz Club Volume 1’ received international critical acclaim with great support from radio opening doors to performances throughout Europe and the USA.

Shezekiel’s band members include Neville Malcolm otherwise known as “level Neville” one of the most in demand electric and double Bass players in the country having worked with the likes of Incognito, Gabrielle, Tom Jones and Gregory porter to name a few, also drummer Jose Joyette who has played around the world with artists such as Craig David, Ministry of Sound , Nona Hendry, De la soul ,Tunde Jegede and Amy Winehouse, Jose is currently on tour with Dee Dee Bridgewater & China Moses, and Giulio Ramano Malaisi a phenomenal classical and Jazz guitarist who learnt his craft from at the Italian Gilfredo Cattalica Music Academy collaborating with top musicians from all over the world including Greg miller and Phil Ramacon.

Shezekiel is now getting ready to release her first solo single ‘Beams from Heaven’ produced by Carlton Bubbler’s Ogilvie as a tribute and return to her Reggae roots, to be followed by another single ‘I am with You’ produced by Clifton ‘Bigga’ Morrison.

Shezekiel’s forthcoming album showcases a unique musical fusion of Jazz, Reggae and Neo Soul as she magically captures a musical vibrancy reflecting her journey and the collision of her Caribbean and British roots.

Shezekiel’s debut album Catch The Boat is out in 2016.