Old school meets new school reggae with deep grooves and emotive lyrics.

9 MP3 Songs
WORLD: Reggae, URBAN/R&B: R&B Pop Crossover



Details:
When CRY ON CUE'S Bernie Larsen decided he wanted to make an old school, rock steady type reggae recording, a simple conversation with pal Ben Harper affirmed to him that it was a good idea, we both love reggae, and I told him I was going to do a rock steady type of record and he said he didn't think anyone was doing that. Concerned with making the record as true to traditional reggae style as possible, Larsen recorded three tracks with a drummer and did the rest himself. This resolve to stay true to the essence of reggae is evident in his most recent record under the name Cry on Cue. A set of rock steady tracks that are as sophisticated as they are grooving, Larsen weaves velvet vocals over complex musicianship to create an album that even the most ardent skeptic could embrace. Larsens music career started at age five in Compton, California. Singing through an empty toilet paper roll because it sounded like a mic led to what would wind up being a lifelong love affair with music. Larsen's come quite a ways since the days of singing through empty toilet paper rolls, hes played with a diverse array of artists ranging from Jackson Browne to Melissa Etheridge, Public Enemy to Lucinda Williams. In addition, Larsens own touring band has included an arsenal of amazing reggae musicians, including reggae legend Peter Tosh's rhythm section drummer Santa Davis and bassist Fully Fullwood. Stand out tracks such as Come to Me present classic reggae stylings coupled with Larsens smooth vocals, unique instrumentation and a sense of passion unparalleled in most recordings today. On the other side of the spectrum, instrumental track Birth Dub combines traditional rock steady stylings with an almost post-modern electronic groove to create a whole new sound that is beautifully complex while also minimalist and accessible. Larsen states, Real reggae is revolutionary at some level. I do try to stay true to my conscious mind because things are so whack with the American government, but Im also a sap for love and beauty and songs about heartbreak and support. tatiana -anthem magazine