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TARRUS RILEY
Photo by
Sista Irie
Not even ten
chariots with horses can stop
this new Reggae voice on the
scene… no, it's not a novelty
act, but one that is destined
for legendary status. A
'natural' man of superb talent
has risen like a Phoenix some
would say its Jah will. Coming
from the combination of a Nurse
and a Singer, "healing music" is
how he appropriately describes
his music. Tarrus Riley has
thrown his hat in the race, with
a no-doubt approach that says,
"I'm here to stay".
The singer who gave us "Larger
Than Life" and "Barber Chair" on
his first album Challenges on
the Yaman Label, is back at it
and even better than before. His
sophomore album Parables, is
currently being distributed by
VP Records. Parables is a simple
story illustrating a moral or
religious lesson'. The album is
suitably titled, as each song is
a lesson from the book of life.
Boasting 14 original tracks out
of 15, produced by the
multi-faceted Dean Fraser,
Parables is a respectable
achievement for this young
artiste.
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His mother, Lavern, has been a
strong supporter of his music from day one. He was originally
produced by his father, Singer Jimmy Riley, on his label 'Love &
Promotion'. Tarrus also gained experience from Heavy Beat and
Main Street, while teaching himself how to play the keyboard and
percussion instruments kette, congo and bongo. He views his
cooking similar to his music. He says every man seasons his pot
different and for him each instrument that makes up a song is
the same as each seasoning that makes up the pot. No wonder
Tarrus's music is always a potpourri of musical progressions,
melodies and not to mention the soulful voice that he has become
known for.
The title track, Parables written by Tarrus on Max Romeo's Three
Blind Mice rhythm, cautions us to 'read between the lines'.
Tarrus said its the first he has ever done a cover version of
someone else's song, John Legend's, "Stay With You". This song
will prove to be one of the perpetual classics from Tarrus
Riley. "She's Royal" is the kind of song that creeps up on you,
with an excellent arrangement. The anthemic "Lion Paw" offers a
stamp of approval, with rhythm and then Della Manley helps to
bring us home to "Family", a real groove-finder capped off by a
melodious chorus. Sold! Tarrus Riley, young, gifted and bold!
Tarrus
Riley Links:
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