NADINE SUTHERLAND EXCITED ABOUT THE SUMMER!

WITH nearly four decades of work under her belt, reggae singer Nadine Sutherland is buzzing about the summer.

Among the projects on her plate is a single on the R&B album Look To The Sky by British producer Simon Law, which also features Maxi Priest, Jazzie B, Caron Wheeler, and Chante Moore; she is booked to perform at Rototom Sunsplash — one of Europe’s largest summer reggae festivals set for Benicàssim, Spain, in August, but before that she is among an illustrious nine Jamaicans who will be recognized at Tribute to the Greats to be held at Curphey Place in Kingston on August 5.

Nadine Sutherland

“I am just so excited about how the whole period is shaping up for me,” Sutherland told the Jamaica Observer. “After I completed my master’s last year, I was just so unsure about how I would be accepted back into the music industry after having been out for a while concentrating on my studies. But these events have really given me the courage and confidence that I am still relevant in this age.”

She is super excited when speaking about producer Law’s album and her single Love Comes Back To You.

“This song was first recorded as a demo 25 years ago. At that time I was being shopped to record executives in London as a R&B soul singer. Shortly after I got to the UK, Caron Wheeler — who was the lead singer for the group Soul II Soul — left the group and I was being touted as the replacement. This single was the demo I submitted, so it is funny that I am now being included on an album with her.”

“The track and the album are being exposed heavily in the UK and picking up some great reviews. From what I gather, there are plans to start promotions in Europe and North America, and there is also word of a tour. When Simon called saying he was doing an album and wanted me on it … I just could not say no. So we booked some studio time at Big Yard and did the recording in two hours and sent it to him, and he just loved what he heard,” she said.

Being considered by the Tribute to the Greats team is also not something she takes lightly, noting she is humbled by the recognition being bestowed on her.

Sutherland is always at home on stage and, therefore, live performances are important to her.

“To be on Rototom is a big deal. It’s my first time, and I just want to go out there and do my best. I am also set for some shows in New York during the Labor Day weekend as well as a few shows in Jamaica. I am happy with where this is going, and I am ready to step in my greatness,” Sutherland added.