March 25, 2009 – The Reichhold Center for the Arts continues its 30th anniversary season with a blockbuster reggae concert featuring reggae icon Gregory Isaacs with special guest Live Wyaa Band, along with singer Tarrus Riley ("She's Royal"). The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m., Saturday, March 28. The night will feature the reggae legend paired with one of the hottest up and coming artists out of Jamaica today.
Isaacs has a string of hits that spans more than 35 years in the music industry. It is estimated he has released up to 500 albums (including compilations) in Jamaica, the United States and Europe combined. Songs such as "Night Nurse," "Number One," and "My Only Lover" have earned him fans worldwide and respect as one of the pioneers of conscious reggae.
He was born in the Fletcher's Land area of Kingston, Jamaica, on July 15, 1951. After singing on the local circuit in numerous talent competitions, he was signed to the Success Label, where he released a number of singles. To gain artistic freedom and financial control of his own work, Isaacs started his own African Museum label in Kingston in 1973.
In the 1970s, Isaacs dominated the music scene in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean with songs that reflected on the social and political happenings of the time, or what is known as conscious reggae.
Along with conscious reggae, Isaac's lyrics spoke of love and all its tribulations. He is widely credited with creating the genre known as Lover's Rock.
By 1980, Isaacs had become one of the top stars in the reggae world, touring the United States and Europe extensively. His relaxed style and ease of delivery, earned him the nickname "The Cool Ruler," after the album of the same name.
It was in the 1980s, that Isaacs released his biggest hit, the album, "Night Nurse." The album is arguably his best known and bestselling release.
Sadly, the praise of the album was followed by a series of personal setbacks, which included a short stint in a Jamaican prison.
Isaacs made a comeback in 1988, however, with the hit single "Rumors," which propelled him back to prominence in the reggae industry. Since then, he has continued to be highly sought after for concerts, and events, touring throughout the world.
He performed at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Inauguration in Jamaica.
In 2008, Isaacs released a new studio album, "Brand New Me."
Isaacs will perform at Reichhold Center with Jamaica's Live Wyaa Band. Live Wyaa is regarded as one of the strongest and most popular reggae bands out of Jamaica. Isaacs and Live Wyaa completed a world tour in 2008, including stops in the U.S., South America and Africa.
Also performing March 28th is Tarrus Riley, one of a second generation of Jamaican roots reggae singers burning up the music charts. Riley has a nuanced tenor vocal style wrapped around socially conscious lyrics. His first album "Challenges" was produced by the great Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser and released on Yaman Records. His most recent CD, "Parables," features the legendary, rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. The CD generated the single "She's Royal," which became an instant hit and continues to get constant airplay on reggae format stations.
Tickets for the Gregory Isaacs/Tarrus Riley concert are $62, $48, and $38. Tickets are available at Modern Music, UVI Book Store, V.I. Bridal & Tuxedo, Urban Threadz, Essentric Shoe Boutique, Island Video (Nisky), Home Again (Red Hook) and The Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559. Tickets may be ordered online at reichholdcenter.com
The Gregory Isaacs/Tarrus Riley concert is sponsored by the Virgin Islands Lottery, Marriott Frenchman's Reef Resort, First Bank, First Insurance, Innovative Cable TV, and the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts.
