In the wake of their momentous GRAMMY win for Best Reggae Album for the self-released ‘Strictly Roots,’ the iconic multi-award winning culture-driven band, Morgan Heritage, has managed to create yet another classic album ‘Avrakedabra’ out via their own independent label CTBC Music on May 19.
In their latest quest to keep reggae music relevant in a continuously evolving world of music, the band has stayed true to their formula of authentic reggae with an effusively eclectic array of tracks in ‘Avrakedabra’. The untraditional creation of this album with recording sessions taking place across four different continents highlights the groups effort of taking Reggae music to each corner of the Earth.
As you listen to ’Avrakedabra’, surprise appearances are as captivating as the title - from the opening record ‘Want Some More’ featuring Mr. Talkbox, (Bruno Mars’ 24k Magic collaborator), to the alliance of two great musical legacies with Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley appearing on ‘One Family’, the breadth of this body of work is undeniable. This is further cemented by the awakening of the spirit of the late great lead singer Bunny Ruggs (Third World) on ‘Tribute To Ruggs’. On stage, DreZion performs as a keyboardist. However, this multi-talented star in his own right not only co-produced ‘Reggae Night’ but also lays down a great verse like a veteran DJ/MC from Jamaica. On ‘Ready For Love’, the dynamic pairing of Billboard chart topping duo R. City and Morgan Heritage emphasises the diversity of this album whilst ’We Are’ brings together Kabaka Pyramid and Dre Island, two of reggae’s future leaders, perfectly marrying the timeless beauty of reggae across the ages.
With their reggae DNA from Jamaican origins, the Brooklyn born group of Massachusetts upbringing developed their synonymous style, infusing pop, rock, country, r&b and hip-hop music into their brand of reggae that they call “Rockaz.”
Morgan Heritage kicked off the “Avrakedabra World Tour” in April, in Aruba, with key dates in Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham and London this month, supported by reggae Billboard-topping female artist Etana, GRAMMY-nominated J Boog, MTV/Beats 1’s Becca D, and Jemere Morgan (third generation).
The siblings are true veterans of live touring with decades of successful headline slots under their belt ranging from Roskilde Festival to Montreux Jazz Festival and of course Rototom Sunsplash.
Their Rolling Stones-reminiscent endurance, longevity and outstanding showmanship make them a hypnotic band on and off the stage. With this release, Morgan Heritage reinforce their reggae prowess while further establishing their far-reaching crossover appeal. Critics, fans and music lovers will not be disappointed by this anxiously awaited, monumental release.
The band will be at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, tonight and the Birmingham O2 Academy tomorrow - May 6 – before moving on to O2 Forum Kentish Town, in London on May 7, then mainland Europe – Paris, France and Amsterdam, Holland, before flying out to perform at the Thomas Robinson Stadium Carnival Grounds, in Nassau, Bahamas.
