Tad’s releases new album to commemorate the milestone of Jamaican Independence. Reggae Festival Guide’s (RFG) marketing director, Joana LaRoque caught up with with Tad Dawkins, the CEO of Tad’s Record Inc. to ask him questions about Celebrating Jamaica 61. This new album features songs by stalwarts of Jamaican music. Jamaica marks its 61st year as an independent nation. Chiefly to commemorate this milestone, Tad’s released ‘Celebrating Jamaica 61’. It is a multi-song album which captures the innate freedom of the Jamaican musical expression.

Questions and Answers about Tad’s new album:

RFG: Let’s dive right in; how did you go about choosing the artists and songs? Tad: As you know, we are affiliated with an array of artists. Several of them pass through our Studio in Jamaica from time to time. Consequently we asked a few of them to record a reggae song to be featured on our Celebrating Jamaica 61 album. They were more than willing to be a part of such a momentous project.

RFG: Is there a concept to this album? Tad: To clarify, the whole idea behind the album is to celebrate the music that is authentically Jamaican, especially over the past 61 years. Our genre of music is world renowned. We maximize every opportunity to share with the world the talents and unique sounds of reggae must be maximized.

RFG: When were D. Brown and Gregory’s songs recorded? Tad: The Gregory Isaacs’ track was recorded in 2009. The Dennis Brown track was recorded in 1995.

RFG: Who are some of the musicians? Tad: The list of world-class reggae musicians include Drummer Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennett; Bass Player: Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis ‘Flabba’ Holt and Glen Brown. On keyboards we have Carol ‘Bowie’ McLaughlin and Franklyn ‘Bubbla’ Wall. Guitarists are LaMont ‘Monte’ Savory. On percussions we have Congo Billy; and on Brass, the legendary Dean Fraser, plus Okeil McIntyre and Oshane.

RFG: Is this the first album that Tad’s Record has released celebrating Independence through music? Tad: The first celebratory album for Jamaica’s Independence that Tad’s released was Jamaica 50th: Then and Now. That was a significant year of celebration. We showcased the various sub-genres which were instrumental in the formation of reggae music as we now know it.

Featured Artists

Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth, Dean Fraser, Sister Carol, George Nooks, Josey Wales, Glen Washington and Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul are featured on Celebrating Jamaica 61. They are stalwarts of Jamaican music. Additionally, the ‘Young Generation’, of reggae performers including Jesse Royal, Kelly Shane and Okiel McIntyre are also featured. Also showcased on this commemorative album are Hezron, Richie Spice, Dwayne Stevenson, Chevaughn, Caryl Jacobs, Screwdriver, Brigadier Jerry, Big Mountain, Terry Linen, and Chezidek.

Phenomenal Project

Founder and head of Tad’s International Record, Tad Dawkins, worked alongside his son Tad Dawkins Jr., and released the album to commemorate the milestone of Jamaican Independence. Together they selected the artistes for this phenomenal project. Tad Sr. said, “Celebrating Jamaica 61 will be used to promote Jamaica to the world.” Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962 in a grand ceremony at the new National Stadium in Kingston. The spectacle was attended by Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, and Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II. She helped officiate the rites that signaled Jamaica a sovereign country.

For more information visit www.tadsrecord.com