A “Fresh Start” for Bryan Art as a solo artist
Before going through the review of his 4-track EP “Fresh Start”, a short introduction of Bryan Art is due. Born Bryan Grant in the parish of St. Ann in Jamaica, he studied at the Edna Manely College of the Visual and Performing Arts. His talent as a guitarist did not go unnoticed. Hence, he has got the opportunity to tour with legendary Fire House band as a guitarist.
This breakthrough allowed him to gain experience and support from top-notch artists such as Luciano, Mikey General and Sizzla. A couple years later, he was the band leader of Bushman‘s group called Grass Roots. Then, Bryan Art released his sophomore self-titled album in 2013. It featured a couple of masterpiece songs in collaboration with Queen Ifrica, Warrior King, Capleton and Hawkeye.
Track Number 1: “Fresh Start”
Now let’s get back to the EP. It broke into the scene under the patronage of the label Junction Files on November 15th, 2013. The curtain-opener is a song dubbing the title of the EP, “Fresh Start”.
If there were only one adjective to pick from to crown this song, that would be “positive” hands down. It is an awesome track! Hats off to the producer, of course.
Mood changes between chorus and verse. Plus, there is noticeable dark piano at the end of the phrase which counterbalances the high-pitched keys. Besides, there is also a terrific horn section, which gives undoubtedly a brighter side to the song.
Running the risk of repeating oneself, nevertheless it should be proclaimed: this tune spreads a really positive vibration.
Track Number 2: “Knowledge Is the Power”
Next station is a song titled “Knowledge Is the Power.” He sings:
“Things will be better, stop and elevate ya/Rise with the wind like a feather.”
It is brilliant, inspirational and simply sincere. This Nu Roots song is encrusted by female backing vocals in the chorus, in addition to the fine groovy bass line.
Track Number 3: “Murder Dem A Play”
Up next is “Murder Dem A Play” that features Grammy nominated artiste Sizzla & Queen Ifrica. The song was voiced on the “Skylarking Riddim”. The latter featured a track by Big Youth, titled “The Killer,” all the way back in 1972.
A classic. A groovy brass section, mellow guitars and piano accompaniments underpin it. Sizzla sings:
“Ghetto youth me tell yuh seh fi start move right/Stupidness cause yuh to lose your own life.” Dig it!
Track Number 4: “Dance Haffi Nice”
Then, last but not least, the curtain-closer is “Dance Haffi Nice,” featured on the “Overdue Riddim” that was produced by Machete Records. Also, It turns out that it is a remake of the riddim of Gregory Isaac’s 1974 song titled “Love Is Overdue.”
Bryan’s song is rendered with the warm tone of a sax played by Dean Fraser and a bass line played by Errol “Flabba” Holt from Roots Radics band.
“Don’t feed the enemy, no matter how hard dem a try/Dance haffi nice yeah yeah yeah.”
This song is surely going to make you dance from beginning till the end and you will surely want to pull it up.
An EP dripping with positive vibes
To put it in a nutshell, this EP is dripping with an overall positive vibe, rich & colorful sounds resembling that of the 70’s-80’s era of reggae with a couple of remade classic riddims. Indeed, his unique, artistic fingerprint comes from an innate love of music. Bryan Art and his label are definitely positioning the act as one to watch out for in 2014. “Fresh Start” is brilliant, so get your hands on this EP, let his positive vibes embellish your fresh start into the year 2014!
Written by Emin Bayramov for Jamworld876