Michael Buckley has never been one to hog the spotlight. In fact, the singer’s most popular song is a dancehall anthem dedicated to killing sound systems during clashes.
On March 13, Stingray Records will release the husky-voiced artist’s EP, I Know The King. It contains eight songs including the title track, a roots number driven by the music of Ba Ba Boom, The Jamaicans’ 1967 Festival Song Contest winner.
“I woulda sey dis is my strongest work to date. Working with Dilly was a great experience ‘cause’ di songs really come out well,” said Buckley.
Dilly is Carlton McLeod, who operates the London-based Stingray Records with his brother Raymond. They have scored a number of hit songs in the United Kingdom since launching in 1994, with acts like Freddie McGregor (Keys to The City), and Luciano’s God & King.
I Know The King also includes a smooth cover of Rainy Night in Georgia, a smoky ballad originally done by Brook Benton in 1970.
Buckley, whose biggest hit is the 1989 dance monster Send Another Sound Home, admits he was in the dark about when McLeod approached him about doing Rainy Night in Georgia.
“Mi know di chorus from mi a youth but mi never know di song word fi word,” he said.
After listening to Benton’s version, they cut the song which is one of I Know The King’s stronger moments.
Buckley is from Waterhouse, which has produced a series of heavyweight singers including Hugh Mundell, Michael Rose, Wayne “Sleng Teng” Smith and Junior Reid. He began recording during the 1980’s, with several of his early songs being for Lloyd “King Jammys” James, the community’s inspirational producer.
It was James who produced Send Another Sound Home, an in-your-face single that influenced artists like Luciano and Bushman.
I Know The King’s songs are more diverse than Buckley’s previous work, something he hopes he will finally give him his big break.
“Wi jus’ leave dat to God, yuh nuh, but yeah wi feel good ‘bout how things come out,” he said.
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