By Anthony Turner/Gleaner Writer—
Leroy Sibbles, seen here performing at St Luke’s ‘Reggae meets Jazz and Blues’ concert held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium in May 2019, is eager to get back on the live stage.—
While Reggae Queen Marcia Griffiths has had international success recording collaborations with Studio One veterans Bob Marley ( Oh My Darling); Tony Gregory ( You’re Mine) and Bob Andy ( Always Together), one regret she has had in her decorated career is not recording a duet with former Studio One singer and session player Leroy Sibbles.
“I first met Leroy Sibbles in 1964 when I went to Studio One,” Griffiths shared with The Gleaner. “I am just sorry that we never did any collabs before.”
That wish was realized in January this year when the two released a reggae version of The Stylistics’ 1974 R&B classic, You Make Me Feel Brand New.
“Working on the single was my idea,” Sibbles shared. “This is more like a wedding song. So far it has been great. I am really pleased with the project, as it is doing wonderful.”
Griffiths, who admitted that she had fun recording their first song together, said, “Working with him on this duet was awesome. As you know he plays the bass guitar, he sings and plays other instruments that he has mastered. He is an exceptional musician.”
The two Studio One music legends will reunite again at the upcoming Westchester Reggae Festival, billed ‘Legends in Concert’, on Sunday, May 29, in New York. After a two-year layoff due to the global pandemic, Sibbles is eager to get back on stage again.
“It is welcoming to work with her on this event. I am looking forward to it,” he said.
Reggae and dancehall artiste Johnny Osbourne will join Sibbles and Griffiths as headline performers at the festival. Osbourne, who struck gold with his 1980s dancehall hits Buddy Bye, Ice Cream Love and Water Pumping, released his debut album, All I Have Is Love, for ‘Coxsone’ Dodd’s Studio One.
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