Junior Kelly: A biog

Junior Kelly comes from a family with deep musical roots in dancehall reggae. Junior's brother Jim Kelly was a dancehall deejay who was killed when Junior was 13 years old. From these early years, Junior developed his unique performance style now known popularly as 'sing-jay' (singing deejay). This melodic approach to deejaying has made Junior Kelly and "Love So Nice" a chart topping contender.

Conscious Voice" is the fitting title of Junior Kelly's latest album as this artist's recordings so far have shown that he belongs to one of today's reggae soldiers who are on a mission to educate their audience whilst entertaining them. No matter what kind of tune he writes - cultural, reality or lovers - his music always contains a conscious message and this fifteen track CD once again confirms this statement.
The "Conscious Voice" set rounds up a healthy selection of the numerous singles this cultural singjay has voiced since his big breakthrough some two years ago, as well as a few previously unreleased tracks. None of them, except "Jah Live On aka Jah Nuh Dead", appeared on his previous three album releases which makes this release of particular interest for those who have missed (most of) them or were not able to collect them. Great tunes like "Push E Fire", "Bun Down Rome", "Come One Day", "Word Power" the joyous uplifting "Jah Live On aka Jah Nuh Dead", and the absolute killer "What A Worries" over Bob Marley's "Heathen" riddim, show how Junior Kelly's delivery has hardened since chanting the whimsical "Love So Nice", presented here in a Dancehall style remix. No real weak tune included here although the Harvel Hart/Sly & Robbie produced dancehall oriented efforts "Can't Ok" and "Love So Nice" may not fit the taste of the true roots fan. All other tracks are stamped with quality all over and are truly worth your attention. "What A Worries", "Bun Down Rome", "Come One Day", "Jah Live On" and the half-chanted, half-sung "Push E Fire", incorporate swirling organ licks, choppy rhythm guitar and real drums.
The list of producers features names like Sean Brown, The Great African of "Humal Records", Wayne Niko Hinds, veteran Jimmy Riley, London's Ruff Cut Crew, Harvel Hart/Sly & Robbie and Roy Conan.

The album however, will add to the legend with impressive arsenal of boom tunes including "Boom Draw", "Sunshine", "Black Woman" and "Jewel Of The Nile". Packed with melodic messages and catchy backing tracks, "Standing Firm" will firmly place Junior Kelly at the top of the singjay list for 2001.