By Howard Campbell/Observer writer—
Considered one of lovers’ rock’s defining songs, Tune In was a number one smash for Gregory Isaacs in 1979. The Cool Ruler was in his prime on the midtempo ballad he produced for his African Museum label.
Recently, Mary Isaacs (no relation) covered the song for Issachar Muzik, an independent label based in Los Angeles. She recorded the song at Anchor studios in Kingston, a company for which her namesake had much success in the 1980s and 1990s.
“Issachar Muzik suggested that I cover one of Gregory’s works. There are so many timeless, classic hits by Gregory it wasn’t easy, but eventually I selected Tune In as it is on the top shelf of many of my favorites by him,” Isaacs explained.
Backing her on the track are bassist Flabba Holt, Gregory Isaacs’ close friend who played on many of his hit songs. On guitar is Mitchum “Khan” Chin, a top session player who made his name in the 1990s with The Firehouse Crew.
Mary Isaacs has covered Tune In.
The original version hears Gregory Isaacs at his crooner’s best yearning to see his lover at their favorite spot. Mary Isaacs said she wanted to present a similar portrayal from a woman’s perspective.
“Well, since it’s not often that it’s the woman inviting the man to meet her at the corner, using a woman’s sensuality, I sang the song in a sultry and soothing way to entice him to meet me at the corner and spend the night till mawning,” she said.
Tune In is the follow-up to I’m Happy which Isaacs also did for Issachar Muzik.
Born in Kingston, Mary Isaacs was influenced by jazz and R&B stylists such as Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight as well as Marcia Griffiths and Phyllis Dillon.
Gregory Isaacs.
She migrated to the United States in the late 1960s and made her recording debut in 1982 with You And I, distributed by Moodie’s Records.
The legacy of Gregory Isaacs, who died in October 2010 at age 59, will be remembered on Sunday with the annual Red Rose for Gregory show at Hope Gardens in St Andrew. Featured acts are The Manhattans, Deniece Williams and Hezron.
You must log in to post a comment.