Party with Jamani – Jamani Stewart

Release Date: October, 2007

Label: Hearts Aglow Records

Party with Jamani, the debut CD from 12-year old steel pan sensation Jamani Stewart, is a remarkable recording coming from one so young. The opening notes of the first track, Hearts Aglow, let you know you’re in for a treat. Hearts Aglow, an original composition, features a very danceable rhythm with a prominent steel pan lead. The steel pan is played with all the skill and precision of a seasoned veteran. This track has what it takes to become a hit single. You’ll want to play this one again and again.

The 7-track CD also features several well-known R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall tunes. One seldom thinks of steel pan and dancehall in the same breath. However, Jamani’s brilliant remake of Sean Paul’s recent big hit We Be Burnin’ instantly changes that. Jamani’s rendition pumps new life into an addictive dancehall rhythm and introduces the steel pan to a generation who may have dismissed the steel pan as their parents’ music.

Other tracks you’re sure to enjoy are the very memorable Belly Dancer and T.O.K.’s chart topper Foot Prints (when you cry). The steel pan leads are excellent. When I think of Jamani’s age, words like prodigy, virtuoso, musical genius, and raw talent come to mind. When I listen to his music, all I can think is this is great music! With its upbeat rhythms and a dazzling display of steel pan artistry, Party with Jamani is sure to become an instant favorite.

Useful Links:

Info and video footage of Jamani, Central News video clip

Purchase Party with Jamani:

JammaSteelPan or eCaroh Caribbean Emporium!

Track Listing:

1.Hearts Aglow

2.Hotel

3.Burning

4.Belly Dancer

5.I Don’t Wanna Know

6.Foot Prints

7.Party With Jamani

Overall Rating: 4

Reggae Pan Classics – Mighty Jamma

Release Date: 2006

Label: Hearts Aglow Records

Genre: Reggae

Reggae Pan Classics is tailor made for all the true, true lovers of Caribbean music. The Mighty Jamma, an accomplished steel pan player who handles his instrument with the skill and precision of a fine craftsman, does a masterful job of breathing new life into classic reggae tunes. Invented in the twin Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago, the steel pan is the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century. All tracks on Reggae Pan Classics prominently display the melodic sound of the steel pan drum. The 13-track CD opens with the song chosen by the BBC as “Song of the Century”, Bob Marley’s One Love. Also included is the first international top-10 hit by a Jamaican artist, Millie Small’s My Boy Lollipop, and UB40’s mega-hit Red Red Wine, just to name a few of the reggae classics. Additionally we’re treated to the calypso styling of Lord Kitchner’s Gimmie D Ting, and an original soca composition by Mighty Jamma, Bumcy Party.

An artist takes a risk anytime he remakes a classic. In this case the end result was well worth the risk. The Mighty Jamma begins by taking on the daunting task of remaking the ultimate song of peace and unity, Bob Marley’s One Love. Inducted into the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007, One Love has not only stood the test of time but has been recorded countless times. However, the Mighty Jamma’s pan rendition is definitely one of the best remakes of Marley classic out there. A simply brilliant and inspired performance of exceptional quality. Bob Marley would be proud!

One of my favorite tracks is I’m Still in Love. Sean Paul and Sasha recently took their version to the top of the dancehall charts. Here the Mighty Jamma does it up in fine style on the steel pan. Another standout track, and one of the best ever feel good songs, is Bob Marley’s Three Birds. The steel pan is so crisp and clear that vocals just aren’t necessary to convey the feel good vibes. Landing half way through this exceptional CD is a song that first hit in the 1970s by the American pop group Bread. Everything I Own gets a distinctively reggae makeover here. Romantic, yet powerful, what’s not to love about this timeless gem. The ska flavored My Boy Lollipop is an up-tempo bouncy number that makes you want to get up and move to the music. Loads of fun! You’ll want to play Red Red Wine again and again. Good stuff. The final track, Bumcy Party will keep you jamming and leave you feeling irie.

Reggae Pan Classics is a CD that you’re sure to enjoy for years to come.

Track Listing:

  1. One Love

  2. Help Me Make It

  3. I’m Still In Love

  4. Kingston Town

  5. On My Mind

  6. Three Birds

  7. Everything I Own

  8. My Boy Lollipop

  9. One Drop

10. Red Red Wine

11. Gimmie D Ting “Duborama, Panyard Jam”

12.Gimmie D Ting

13.Bumcy Party

Overall Rating: 4

CD Reviews - J: Various Artists

Rating Scale:

6: Off-the-Scale!!!

5: Excellent

4: Very Good

3: Good

2: Fair

1: Poor