ARMY

Many are called, few are chosen. Singer, songwriter Army, is soon to be the choice of many. His debut CD entitled "Yesterday's News", currently re-released by Dub Rise Records, along with his follow-up CD entitled "Struggler" also released by Dub Rise Records, could both be best described as refreshingly original. Try to remember what pure, real, reggae music sounds like. This is the sound we've been missing. It's been a long time since we've heard it, some of us may have forgotten. But it's back, in the form of "Yesterday's News" and "Struggler". Both CDs explore a variety of spiritually conscious lyrics that takes you on a journey into the lives of all people. While his debut CD is a classic, his follow up CD gives you a variety of flavors that shows how much the artiste has grown. You immediately feel what reggae music is all about! While fulfilling a deep desire to communicate positive messages to others, Army brings his vision to life through his music. His unique ability to use poetry allows him to simultaneously send clear and subtle messages that will touch any heart and soothe the soul.

Army was born Fritzmaurice Williams and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. At the age of five, he began his musical journey in the youth choir at the church his family attended. Little did he know that he was laying the foundation for what would become a very promising musical career. Determined to explore a variety of musical styles, he played the saxophone, became a member in a jazz band and sang in various local bands. Inspired and influenced by artistes such as Nat King Cole, Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor, Army couldn't go wrong. The Greats all played their part in shaping this well-rounded singer. He later migrated to the United States and attended New York's School of the Performing Arts. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army, and attended military tech school. Later he trained and worked in the HVAC industry. But music soon found its way back into his life in a big way.

After completing his education and venturing off to pursue other goals, he went back home to where it all began: the Virgin Islands. He began singing background vocals in the Front Line band and various other bands. His friend, Jahole, who can be heard on "Yesterday's News", became his mentor and showed him the rigmarole of music while performing with various reggae bands. When the time was right, Army took his place as lead singer of the X Factor Band, a promising band making their mark in the Virgin Islands. It wasn't long before the word was out about the obvious talent Army and X Factor had to offer. Then came Abdul Williams, CEO of Dub Rise Records Inc. and Dean Pond of DSP Music who had teamed up earlier to form a winning partnership. They quickly saw the potential in Army and without any reservations, signed him to their label.

Army's mission is clear and he believes we are all mutually dependent on each other. "I want to send positive universal messages to people through my music, without the commercialism we see so much today" he said pointedly. He accomplishes this with great ease and feels he has only scratched the surface of what he plans to contribute to the world of music. Dub Rise Records and DSP no doubt share his vision. For Army, the future holds only one thing... Music. He plans to continue writing songs and would like to study the piano. He will not be venturing off to write screenplays produce sound tracks, direct movies or dance videos. Fortunately for us, he will remain true to himself and continue doing what he does best... sing. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

The Music of Army - Track List