Albums by Jamaican musicians have become a rarity as many struggle to pick up session work. Kirk Bennett has no such problem.
Recognised as the country’s premier reggae drummer, Bennett shows his skills as a musician and producer on Rumble In The Jungle, scheduled for release by VP Records on Friday.
It is his second album. His first, Streetwise Dubwise, was released in 2009.
“The true concept was creating an album that would have a song that appeals to everyone…young, mature and eclectic. It is to also show the market that good music is still available and creative minds were still at work and to show my craft on a different level,” said Bennett in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
‘Rumble’ has 13 songs, all originals. While he worked with bass players Glen Browne and Ian Hoilette, guitarists Mitchum Chin and Lamont ‘Monty’ Savory, and saxophonist Dean Fraser, he brought in singers Beres Hammond, Jah Cure, Cocoa Tea, Tarrus Riley and Busy Signal to enhance some of the songs.“Each singer has a unique talent that blended with the vibe I was going for. While creating each track from the first few bars I just knew that each person was perfect for that song,” said Bennett.
From Trelawny, Bennett has been the in-demand drummer in Jamaica for a decade. His credits include Lion Paw by Riley; Solid As A Rock and Thank You Mama (Sizzla); I Feel Good and Come Down Father by Hammond and Queen Ifrica’s Lioness on the Rise.
He has also excelled as a producer with his Kirkledove Records. The label’s hits include Tek Wey Yuhself by Mr Vegas and Elephant Man’s Yuh Too Bad Mind.
Bennett believes musicians should do more solo projects.
“Once you have talent as a musician — try stuff, create stuff, think outside the box, take chances and I guarantee it will get somewhere. It might not happen in the first year, but just have an aim and practice your craft. Success will come,” he said.
— By Howard Campbell
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