Best known in music circles as the longtime rhythm guitarist for Stephen and Ziggy Marley, Ian “Beezy” Coleman has also backed reggae’s top acts including Burning Spear, Sizzla, Luciano, and Prezident Brown. In early 2024, the veteran musician plans to show fans a different side to his talent.
Ultimate Love is the name of his first EP as a featured artist. Coleman also sings on the project which he expects to be released in late January.
“I sing on it and also play on it, it’s not really the first time for me, but it’s the most important. The nature of this project is expressing what I feel musically,” said Coleman, who also produced Ultimate Love.
He did disclose details of the EP, but said he is accompanied by a number of seasoned musicians.
Along with fellow guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, bass guitarist Chris Meredith, and drummer Squiddly Cole, Coleman was the backbone of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers’ sound during the 1990s when that band released several well-received albums such Power to Move Ya and Free Like We Want 2 B.
He also played on several of Ziggy Marley’s solo albums including Fly Rasta and Love Is My Religion Live. Coleman credits Bob Marley’s eldest son for helping him grow as a musician and improve as a producer.
“I’ve learned a lot, especially being around Ziggy. He knows a lot when it comes to production. I look up to him,” he said.
Coleman hails from St. Ann, a parish on Jamaica’s north coast where Bob Marley and Burning Spear were born. In addition to clocking countless hours of session work with producers such as Bobby Digital and Barry O’Hare, he is a member of the Live Wyya Band.
You must log in to post a comment.