
The historical and highly anticipated global release of Gramps Morgan’s solo album, 2 Sides of My Heart Vol. 1 on August 4th was celebrated during the Irie Jamboree Media launch in NYC.
The first of two discs intended to reveal a multi-dimensional person and artiste, Gramps exhibits his diversity on this anthology which introduces him to Adult Contemporary while maintaining his strong roots in Reggae. “This first CD is a roots conscious effort, what one side of Gramps is, which is rockaz – that’s the vibe!” says the burly vocalist.
After nearly three decades with the internationally renowned Morgan Heritage, collectively solidifying fan bases in almost every continent on the planet, releasing ten albums and three DVDs, and performing for millions of people worldwide, Gramps Morgan has taken things to another level.
With a list of who’s who in music, 2 Sides of My Heart Vol. 1’s credits include the likes of Grammy award winning songwriters, Shannon Sanders and India Arie; along with some of Reggae’s finest producers, musicians and artists including: Bobby ‘Digital’ Dixon; Mark Myrie a.k.a. Buju Banton; Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor; Colin ‘Bulby’ York; Robert “Dubwise” Browne; Paul Kastick and Kirk Bennett to name a few.
“This has always been my father’s plan; we are all on an individual journey to express ourselves musically. We”, referring to Morgan Heritage, “don’t want to be predictable in the music; we want to keep it interesting and we want to keep it fun as well.” Now after nearly three decades providing backing vocals for his brother and lead singer, Peter Morgan, Gramps has finally taken centre stage.
Gramps’ voice carries great tone and deep resonance on songs like All Together, Time, and Roll Call which also share a conscious mood, and a contemporary theme of change, unity and upliftment. Likewise, the upbeat Hold On reassures that “everything is going to be alright”. Meanwhile, his smooth vocal styles compliment the tempo of Higher In Love, and Don’t Cry For Jamaica, an ode to his beloved. The heavy R’n’B influence on this one perfectly reflects the genre’s early influence in Reggae music. Noteworthy is also the remake of John Mayer’s Come Back to Bed, which Gramps successfully pulls off by spinning it his own way, putting someone else’s words to his music.
The ‘pièces de resistance’ for all of the hopeless romantics are the soulful tracks Lonely, For One Night, Hush, and One In A Million. Gramps also reveals hidden talents demonstrating his deejaying skills on the Reggae-remix of Therapy featuring India Arie and some more toasting on Roll Call.
Along with Where Has Mama Gone, one of the most powerful tracks on the album is the collaboration with Buju Banton on Power of Prayer. A follow up to the duo’s classic 23rd Psalm, Power of Prayer is exquisite in its simplicity and delivery.
Having already achieved a #1 hit with the first single, Wash the Tears, this album maintains a continuous message of faith, hope, strength and positivity and at the same time recognizes and communicates a message of oneness. 2 Sides of My Heart Vol.1 solidifies Gramps Morgan as an artiste to be reckoned with on the world stage.
Contact: Teresa Castellucci
Sweet T Enterprises
416.720.4061
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