Big announcement from Jamaica. The great Mento musicians from Port Antonio, including Jah T from The Jolly Boys came to see me with a bottle and a big idea:
They want to do a national tour of Jamaica next Fall with me to promote Mento music to the people of Jamaica.
We recorded this song ‘Go Tell It To The Mystics’ for my album, West Indian Rock, and I’ve been helping these wonderful musicians put together a beautiful album to promote classic Mento since my first visit.
The Jolly Boys may finally be over after almost 70 years. And I am ready and willing to help them keep Jamaica’s first folk music alive.
This was our first rehearsal yesterday under a big Tree of Life that has been here they say for 450 years.
My most daring escape since Montego Bay. I have the only keys to the studio where I am staying with legends who insist I call them Uncle. Everything is going great. I am a good nephew.
Until the keys fall in the window. Every window is fit with impenetrable and ornate bars. Everything is locked, and now the only key is inside.
This is a Caribbean fortress.
I don’t panic. I swear but I do not panic. I find a reed that has no business being a hook. Some how….somehow I pull the key from the floor with the magic that I wished upon this reed.
The lift off was breathless. No sudden moves…steady…watch the bars…now…
I am free. I am free. I get inside.
Oh that would have been a cluster☆☆☆☆. Not a sh☆storm.
– Musician and writer Davin Michael Stedman has many ventures, such as the AMAZING blog, 100milesofmusic.com. Davin’s new song has become a global earworm and Caribbean dancehall hit. Listen here on Reggaeville: DAVIN MICHAEL STEDMAN & ANTHONY RED ROSE – FREE YOUR MIND FEAT. SLY & ROBBIE WITH LENKY MARSDEN. The video is now available on Youtube: Tuff Gong Television. His single with British band Sherlock Soul is available here.
