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Movin' Ahead by Lorenzo

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Movin' Ahead by Lorenzo

Movin' Ahead by Lorenzo

By Angus Taylor on Saturday, October 31, 2009 - Comment

Another St Ann Parish talent on the rise.

Sampler

Lorenzo (aka Andel Henry) has a distinctive, fluid voice: at times sounding cool and mellow like Al Campbell, at others soaring into higher registers like Barrington Levy. There’s even a touch of fellow St Ann man Chezidek in his phrasing. And, on debut album 'Movin’ Ahead' (the second ever full length solo release by his longstanding French cohorts Irie Ites), he treads a similar path between foundation roots and culture and the dancehall in a modern setting.

Lorenzo - Movin Ahead The brilliance of Mikey Dread tribute single Mr Officer (with Chezidek and a perfectly punchy break by Matic Horns) stands tall over the rest of the album. But the consistent quality-levels across the other tracks (mainly already released singles; all in the nods-to-all eras Irie Ites style) make this a listening experience sans disappointment.

The rhythms featuring Mafia & Fluxy on bass and drums, Bongo Herman on Percussion, Earl Chinna Smith on guitar and Dean Fraser on sax, give Lorenzo a strong base for his functional but effective lyrics and excellent flow. Standout cuts include the aforementioned Mr Officer, Show Some Love, Gunplay and A So Dem Stay (on big Irie Ites backings Roots & Culture, Down In Jamaica, Rocking Time and Strange Things respectively).

This album is likely to play well in France and with anyone who thinks Jamaican-based roots reggae has gone off the boil. It’s a solid and dependable first effort - with flashes of genius - which showcases yet another St Ann Parish talent on the rise.