While growing up in the farm-belt parish of Trelawny in rural Jamaica, Jean Fray was exposed to the music of churches from diverse denominations. The passionate wailing of the Pocomania group made a lasting impression on her.
Now living in New York, Minister Jean Fray as she is known, called on that rapturous delivery for her debut songs — Glory and He Touched Me.
Both are produced by Sidney Mills, a former member of Steel Pulse whose long list of credits include working with Dennis Brown, Judy Mowatt and Larry McDonald.
Minister Jean wrote Glory, while He Touched Me is an interpretation of the much-covered standard written by Bill Gaither.
“There’s something about Pocomania, the way they sing. To me, it’s more anointed,” she said.
The songs marked Minister Jean’s first time in a recording session. She admits to being nervous, but Mills’ experience guided her through the process.
“He encouraged me. I’ve never been nervous singing in church but recording a song is totally different,” she recalled, laughing.
Noting that “there wasn’t a lot of gospel artists in Jamaica” when she was younger, Minister Jean’s early musical influences were vocalists in her church. Later, she discovered the sounds of The Grace Thrillers and George Banton as well as the secular tones of Bob Marley.
The Afro-centric Pocomania church has had a presence in Jamaica for decades, with roots entrenched in rural areas. Though their image of white garbs, wrapped heads and fervent worship has been scorned by some established churches, the Pocomania sound has driven many a hit song including Revival Time by Chalice and I Am Blessed by Mr. Vegas.
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