Freddie McGregor is a Reggae Icon who has endured more than 30 years in the business.
Veteran and legendary Jamaican artist Freddie Mc Gregor has released over 40 albums, scored innumerable hits, led his own Big Ship production company and record label, and maintained a hefty international touring schedule, all while nurturing many young talents in the business, most notably his sons Stephen and Daniel (known as Chino).
“Di Captain” is a new studio album showcasing Freddie’s talent for re-interpretation with a selection of cover songs including a remake of his own 1980 hit “Africa (Here I Come).”
Other highlights include “Move Up Jamaica,” a spirited tribute for Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, and “You Won’t See Me,” a new take on the classic Beatles tune. The album also features up-and-coming reggae sensations, Etana and Gappy Ranks.
With his deep reggae catalogue spanning almost five decades, Freddie McGregor is one of the few first-generation reggae icons here today who has blazed a path through virtually every stage of the genre – from ska, rock steady to early and modern day reggae.
On January 29, 2013, he takes the reigns once again with Di Captain (VP Records/Big Ship), his brand new studio album after four years in the making. The album’s title refers slyly to his continued status as captain of his Big Ship production complex.
VETERAN REGGAE ARTIST FREDDIE MC GREGOR WILL PERFORM AT JAZID, SUNDAY JAN 20 – WASHINGTON AVE – SOUTH BEACH
Watch Freddie Mc Gregor performing “Africa Here I Come” live at Garance Reggae Fesstival, France, 2012
This 16-track collection demonstrates Freddie’s magnificent talents as a songwriter and his taste for cover versions, romantic ballads and strong cultural messages.
Original songs include the heartfelt tribute to his island “Move Up Jamaica,” the powerfully pleading “More Love in the Ghetto” and earnestly romantic and gospel-flavored “Love I Believe In.”
As for cover versions, Freddie’s draws from a wide and varied array of great pop anthems (Beatles’ “You Won’t See Me,” Luther Vandross’ “A House Is Not a Home”) and reggae songs of the past (“Bob Marley’s “Rainbow Country,” The Heptones’ “Equal Rights”).Each rendition is infused with Freddie’s own unmistakable vibe and rich, soulful vocals.
“These songs were very specially chosen, Freddie says.
“We took the greatest pains in making sure these would be classic songs that will last for a long time. I chose songs like “Equal Rights” because I love the message and because the youth need to hear it. We made a special effort to keep it as grass-roots as we can.”
Members of Jamaica’s studio A-list perform on the album – from the great bass-and-drum duos of Mafia & Fluxy and Steely & Clevie to session aces like saxophonist Dean Fraser and keyboardist Carlton “Bubblers” Ogilvie.
Former Heptones frontman Leroy Sibbles lends his talents as a bass player on several tracks, including Freddie’s excellent version of their hit “Equal Rights.” Di Captain also features guest vocals from up-and-coming artists like Etana on “Let It Be Me” and Gappy Ranks on “Standing Strong,” a remake of Freddie’s 1980s hit “Bobby Bobylon.”
Order Di Captain on iTunes and preview the full album below
FREDDIE MC GREGOR ‘DI CAPTAIN’ TRACK LISTING
1.Intro: Jenny Jenny
2. Move Up Jamaica
3. You Won’t See Me
4. Bag A Hype
5. Africa
6. More Love In The Ghetto
7. Love I Believe In
8. Rainbow Country
9. Standing Strong featuring Gappy Ranks
10. Love Ballad
11. There You Go
12. My Story
13. Let It Be Me featuring Etana
14. Jah Love Di Whole A Wi
15. A House Is Not A Home
16. Equal Rights
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