VETERAN PRODUCER WINSTON “NINEY” HOLNESS, FACES THE DAUNTING CHALLENGES OF TODAY’S ARTISTS!

By Howard Campbell—

Frustrated with what he considers a dearth of vocal talent in Jamaica, producer Winston “Niney” Holness returns to his roots as a singer with Thank You. He produced the song which is expected to be released in March on his Observer label.

Holness recorded Thank You at his Observer Soundbox Studio in Kingston, the Jamaica capital.

“Mi jus’ get tired a produce people wha’ jus’ waan do two chord music. Bunny Lee tell mi from long time sey mi jus’ wasting mi time, an’ him was right,” said Holness.

A strong cast of musicians backed Holness on Thank You, including drummer Sly Dunbar, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, bassist Flabba Holt and guitarist Dalton Browne. Holness, who is in his late 60’s, said his vocals are strong enough to make a difference.

“Yeah man! No doubt about it, wi still can do wi thing,” he boasted.

Holness officially opened Observer Soundbox Studio in March, 2013. At the time, he said he was looking to produce a new generation of singers which he said was missing from the Jamaican music scene.

Though he held twice-weekly auditions at the complex, and recorded several artists, he was not pleased with most of whom he worked with.

“Dem only waan do bup bup music, an’ mi cyan bother wid dat. Mi jus’ decide fi do it myself,” Holness said.

As a producer, Holness is known for his work with Dennis Brown (Westbound Train, Cassandra and Wolfs and Leopards), Ken Boothe (Silver Words), Sugar Minott (Lover’s Race, No Vacancy) and Third World (Roots With Quality). He started his career as a singer, and scored a massive hit in 1970 with Blood and Fire which entered the British national chart.

He has not recorded as an artist for some time, but Holness plans to record a number of singles this year. Reply  Reply All  Forward