Steven “Lenky” Marsden, the Jamaican-born producer best known for creating dancehall music’s landmark Diwali riddim, recently released his sophomore solo album Self Taught, on the maestro’s own Diwali Records imprint. The 11-song instrumental album showcases Lenky’s dexterity on the piano, as well as his depth as an arranger.
“The concept for my new album ‘Self Taught’ was for me to highlight my skills as a pianist, and have fun creating music that I like to listen to. For this project I used my various piano techniques in total contrast to my last album ‘It’s About Me,’ where it was more electronic based,” explains the virtuoso of the concept behind his new LP.
Self Taught shows Lenky’s range as a producer, while he explores Latin textures, contemporary jazz, hip hop, and of course, his native reggae and dancehall. The album’s only features are rhythm section legends Sly & Robbie on the breezy “Which Way Do We Drive,” and Lenky’s son (and Diwali Records label-mate) Q Marsden, who lends his vocals to the jazz hop of “Rapper in the Midst.”
Of the album’s title, Lenky said “the name comes from my natural ability to play the piano. I am a self taught musician, having never attended a formal training school, but rather honing my skill through rigorous practice and help from those I’ve met along my journey. The album’s title is solidified by all of the contributing musicians themselves being self taught.”
Expect more from Diwali Records in the months to follow. The label draws it’s name from the innovative riddim which spawned major hits like Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go,” Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oh)”, and most notably, Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,” which enjoyed a 3-week run atop the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.
Lenky is currently manning the keys on tour with Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Gang in Europe. The band will perform at the Rototom Sunsplash festival tonight in Benicassim, Spain, where they will be joined onstage by reggae masters Johnny Osbourne, Yellowman, and Bitty Mclean.
Self Taught tracklist below:
1. Keys From The Top Drawer
2. Self Disciplined
3. The Key Maker
4. My Brother My Friend
5. Jamaica’s Neighbor
6. Reggaefide Inspecteur 11
7. Never Stop Exploring
8. Rapper in the Midst (feat. Q)
9. Negril 1989
10. Lunchtime at Manor Park
11. Which Way Do We Drive (feat. Sly & Robbie)
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