Lovers rock in city

However, the many couples and lovers in the audience will be anxiously awaiting the second half of the show as two of the sweetest voices in reggae music are set to perform on the same stage for the first time ever in Trinidad at the Jean Pierre Complex. The masters of “lover’s rock”, Glen Washington and Hugh Beresford Hammond will ignite the arena as they perform some of the greatest love songs of the past two decades.

Most of us are familiar with Hammond’s progressive rise from his initiations in 1972 as well as his now classic and contagious sound and style. Washington’s story, on the other hand, may be a bit more mysterious to some fans, but his music-filled career as a singer, songwriter and drummer directly personifies the old adage: “The race is not for the swift, but for those who can endure.” In truth and in fact, the triumph of Washington has been 25 years in the making.

Like most successful artists, Washington evolved from humble beginnings: born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, he has endured the test of time and is currently one of the most in demand artist in reggae music. This, after many years of recording and waiting in the wings.

In 1997, he released his debut album, Brother To Brother and, to date, has released ten albums. Fans and critics alike often testify that there is not one bad song in his catalogue. Not a youngster by any stretch, Washington began his musical career in the early 70s as the lead singer for the group, Names And Faces. He later became the lead singer in a band called 35 Incorporated and learned to play the drums under the guidance of, their then drummer, Joseph Hill. When Hill left the band, Washington filled the slot and expanded his role to that of a singing drummer.

Reminiscent of singer, bass player and bandleader, Boris Gardener who after 25 years in the music industry recorded the golden classic refrain, I Wanna Wake Up With You and Carlos Santana who endured 30 years between Black Magic Woman and the 2000 Grammy-winning ode Maria Maria; Washington made his first hit record Rockers Not Crackers in 1978 for the Joe Gibbs Record label. He did not grace the charts again until the release of the hit, Kindness For Weakness in 1998.

Of course, these types of experiences serve as a source of encouragement and motivation to others, while simultaneously defying many industry experts who would define it as “highly unlikely” for an artist to release his biggest hit after 20 years in the business Over the years, Washington recorded sporadically as a solo singer and extensively as a studio drummer while also penning songs and laying down tracks for various artists.

During this period, Washington was also a full-time drummer (and sometime singer) in several different bands, including The Avengers, The Titans and Happiness Unlimited. While engaged with Happiness Unlimited he migrated to the USA briefly to work with R&B/ jazz legend, Stevie Wonder. The other bands he played with are Calabash and numerous ensembles that backed artistes such as: Leroy Sibbles, Shinehead, Junior Reid, Gregory Isaacs, Sister Carol and the Meditations.

After a short hiatus from performing, Washington once again began pursuing his solo singing career by recording with Studio One’s, famed producer, Clement Dodd in 1997. His early fans and supporters were then energised with the release of Washington’s awesome debut album, Brother to Brother.

A year later, Washington recorded with producers, Lloyd Campbell and Jason Sterling and smashed the industry and the charts with the classic album, Next To You. This album was marketed extensively by VP Records as all tracks on the album were considered to be good singles and of course, this album also featured the mega hit song, Kindness for Weakness.

From the resurgence of Glen Washington’s singing career, his smooth, raspy, bass voice has often been likened to that of Beres Hammond.

Rumoured to be at odds with each other for many years, Washington states emphatically on his website: “Beres is one of my favourite entertainers, so I regard it as a compliment to be compared with him.” With the release of over 40 singles and 11 albums in four years, Washington has established himself as not only a singer but, also as a gifted songwriter who penned his own songs. His later albums are as follows: Can’t You See (produced by Jah Life Records), Think About It for Philip Smart, Number One Girl produced by Lloyd Campbell and Jason Sterling, Solitary Red Rose for Ruff Stuff, Can’t Keep A Good Man Down for Don One, Wondering Stranger for Coxone Dodd, Reggae Max for Jet Star, Free Up The Vibes for Stingray and Your Love with Lloyd Campbell and Jason Sterling again.

Ever humble, gracious and grateful, Washington expressed his feelings on success in this way: “As a drummer backing other artists,” he said, “I have toured the world, playing in countries like Japan, North, South and Central America, all over Europe and all the Caribbean Islands. Now I am repeating those trips as the featured artist and it’s a great feeling to see thousands of fans coming out for my performances.” Washington, Hammond, Morgan and Duncan are set to appear and deliver their greatest hits at Redemption IV.

Patrons will also be treated to the unique and diverse sound of local band, Overdrive as they provide live accompaniment for the Discover Me - May Artiste of the Month, “Nyiida” Andrews and her hit song, “Phenomenal Woman”.

The Discover Me initiative is the brainchild of visually-impaired musician, producer and studio owner, Jason Dasent, who describes it as his “opportunity to give back to the industry” after years of success as a musician and producer. His professional recording studio, Studio Jay Recording Ltd. has partnered with PixelPlay Media Ltd, Rene Sound & Vision Ltd along with several corporate entities to produce, record and promote one new act every month for four months of the year. The initiative runs from May to August, with over $100,000 worth of studio time and promotion pumped into each specially-selected artiste.