ANTHONY CRUZ… impressed by the performance of the evergreen Errol Dunkley—
WHILE at the Reggae Summerjam Festival in Cologne, Germany, two weeks ago, Anthony Cruz observed the high esteem with which fans of all ages held veteran singer Errol Dunkley.
He was also impressed by the performance of the evergreen Dunkley, who recorded classic songs like Black Cinderella and OK Fred over 40 years ago.
“Mi hear ’bout dem man deh from mi a bwoy an’ him still a gwaan strong,” Cruz declared. “Dem man deh show seh is not about the hype. Is about building the catalogue and staying relevant.”
Cruz is trying to do just that with a new album, Inna di Dance, which was released in July. It is the singer’s fifth album, coming closely on the heels of last year’s Cruz Control.
Though it has been less than one year between albums, Cruz says there is a distinct difference in sound and approach.
“I’ve matured lyrically and I’m also more experienced, so it comes accross on this album,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
The title track, produced by the Stone Love label, is album’s lead single. There are also ‘combinations’ with Luciano (I Wont Wait) and Get Out The Music, which was done with deejay Macka Diamond.
Manchester-born Cruz, whose hits include Half Way Tree and Tear it Up, has been recording for over 15 years. His career actually started in the United States where he migrated in his mid-teens.
He recorded for producers such as Willie Lindo in South Florida before returning to Jamaica almost 10 years ago.
Cruz believes for lover’s rock artists to earn acclaim similar to Errol Dunkley, their songs need more exposure.
“The state of the dancehall now is very poor, because they are not playing the real reggae music,” he said. “Wi need Jamaica fi support the music, show it more love.”
You must log in to post a comment.