Memories of D E B is the title of saxophonist Dean Fraser’s first solo album in 12 years. It was released last Friday by Tad’s International Record.
Fraser pays homage to Dennis Brown on the 15-song set, putting his spin on gems like Cassandra, Westbound Train, Funny Feeling and Should I .
Brown, lauded by fans as the Crown Prince of Reggae, died in July 1999 at age 42. Fraser was a key member of his recording and touring set-up for many years.
It is the 60-year-old musician’s first solo effort since the spiritual Dean Fraser Plays Songs of Reggae Praises which came out in 2005.
Since then, he has concentrated on being musical director for singer Tarrus Riley’s band.
Melodies of D.E..B is produced by Tad Dawkins Jr. He and his father, Tad Dawkins Sr, are executive producers of the album.
Dawkins Snr had a long working relationship with Brown. He produced the remixed version of Here I Come, which is a reggae anthem.
Fraser’s career started in the late 1970s when Brown was in full flight at producer Joe Gibbs’ studio. He went on to play on some of the singer’s outstanding work including the 1988 album, Inseparable .
— Howard Campbell
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