After touring and recording with Grammy-winning reggae-dancehall artist Shaggy since 1998, acclaimed guitarist Robert ‘Dubwise’ Browne has decided to leave the band to focus all his energy on pursuing his solo career as an instrumentalist.
Browne’s new project, Groovy Love Thing, is scheduled to be released independently in January 2015. Groovy Love Thing will be distributed by Zojak Worldwide digitally, and Browne is currently in discussions regarding distribution of physical copies of the CD.
“Although I’ve released two albums since working with Shaggy, I figured that this was the necessary step I had to take now towards being committed to my own music and career,” said Browne. “Shaggy and Valley Touring Limited (his touring company) are disappointed with my decision, but they gave me their blessing and said if I should ever want to return, my position as guitar player in his band will be available.”
As an essential part of his signature groove and crossover sound, Browne recorded with Shaggy on his albums Lucky Day (2002),Clothes Drop (2005), Summer In Kingston (nominated for a Grammy in 2012), and Out Of Many One Music (2013).
Now, Browne’s first single, Groovy Little Thing, is set for release this month. The project is a compilation of popular Jamaican reggae songs from the past decade and is rearranged in what would be considered smooth jazz format.
Browne, whose influences include Jimi Hendrix, Lee Ritenour, and Joe Satriani, and who released his first solo album, the critically acclaimed,Robert Dubwise: Birth, in 2004, says, “I am happy with how the songs on Groovy Love Thing are turning out. It’s been a while since I’ve put this much focus and energy in a project. My previous release was in 2010 (Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion), and I’m excited to get it out for everyone to hear what I’ve done with these songs.”
WEBSITE TO BE LAUNCHED
With the release of the single Groovy Little Thing, Browne will be launching his new website, which will feature information, photos, and songs from all of his albums for fans to hear, and they can also follow links to buy his products as well as links to his social media sites. It will also include concert dates and will be updated with new information periodically.
Browne hails from one of Jamaica’s most prestigious musical families. His father, renowned bassist/producer Glen Browne, head of Island Treasure Records, has worked with everyone from Ziggy Marley to jazz greats Monty Alexander and Delfeayo Marsalis and is currently touring with Tarrus Riley. His twin brother, bassist Richard ‘Shams’ Browne, has produced some of dancehall’s hottest rhythms. His uncle, producer Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Browne, was a member of the famed classic dancehall duo Steely and Clevie. Uncle Dalton Browne was influential in launching the Big Ship label with reggae great Freddie McGregor.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robert ‘Dubwise’ Browne has had the opportunity to tour the world, including opening for the Rolling Stones with Shaggy. He performed a solo set with his own band at Reggae Sunsplash 2006 in Ocho Rios. He has also toured and recorded with NBC’s ‘The Voice’ season five winner, Tessanne Chin; Burning Spear; Jimmy Cliff; Toots Hibbert; Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers; Morgan Heritage; Monty Alexander; Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley; Julian Marley; Heather Headley; Beres Hammond; Tarrus Riley; Sly and Robbie; and more. In 1998, Browne made history by playing on Lauryn Hill’s iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which went on to win several Grammy awards, including Album of the Year.
You must log in to post a comment.