Australian Writer Goes Gaga Over Lymie Murray’s “Happy Days” (Sample Tracks Inside)

Jamaican Reggae Singer/Songwriter, Lymie Murray

Tara Gething is not a big fan of reggae; never was. “My genre is metal”, she says with a wide grin, knowing fully well that this would freak out the average person. So I freaked out. Not at the thought of the outlandish musical taste of this well-adjusted middle class Australian girl but at the idea that someone exists on the planet who is not a big fan of Jamaican Reggae.

So I challenged her taste buds. I knew she does CD reviews and very well so I said “I will introduce you to the music of reggae artiste Lymie Murray, and if you don’t like it, feel free to dump it”. I knew that if she could’nt handle the awesome sounds of Lymie Murray on his first album, Happy Days, it is possible that she will not go gaga over some of the more hardcore reggae and dancehall stuff.

A week later, Tara rocked up to my office at the University and delivered a gem of a review. She not only loved Lymie Murray; she went gaga over his debut ‘Happy Days” album. Lymie Murray has got a new fan; reggae has found its latest convert. Here is what she had to say…..
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While classic Reggae lyrics often focus on poverty and political oppression, Lymie Murray’s debut album HAPPY DAYS has made its way into the light.

Click here to sample the album: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1781647

When most people outside Jamaica think of Reggae music, they think of Bob Marley. But Reggae music has come a long way since then and is now a melting pot of message and merriment. As the title track of Lymie Murray’s HAPPY DAYS, hints, expect your fill of lyrics about pretty girls, longing, and good times.

Murray’s velvet voice hugs around that rich horn and tinkling pianos that emerge through the guitars, bass and drums that ground the sound. Murray has stayed true to his roots by keeping the Reggae signature sound of focussing on the offbeat.

However, he has also decided to push the genre’s boundaries. “I’ll take care of you”, for instance, has a cool R n’B vibe, a slick beat that moves in a circular motion that would fit perfectly into any low lit luxury bar.

Released in 1998 for Shangul Records, HAPPY DAYS is a smooth album that passes through romantic tides as Murray yearns for the company of his current flame. This is not a painful; “I would do anything for love” kind of longing. However, Murray is clearly too laid back for such Meat Loaf-ian acts of drama. Instead Murray comes from a more organic place, working from an internal paradise as optimistic phrases spills out through the speakers, leaking into your ears. “Happy days are here to stay” he sings, from his state of cemented euphoria.

Each track flows effortlessly into the next, helping creating a chilled ‘ain’t got no problems’ atmosphere. This is no cheesy Tiki shirt wearing, pina colada sipping album. Positive vibes and moving beats are presents, but it isn’t contrived, Murray is operating from an authentic front.

While most artistes use the struggle of pre-recording days to fuel the fire of their debut album, Murray instead offers the refreshing attitude of gratitude. Acknowledging his fortunate life, Murray sings “Got my wife, got my family, peace and love was bestowed upon me.”

While “Happy Days” is largely upbeat, “Love we had” gives diversity to the album by allowing a darker shade to come in. Murray sings of a lost love he cannot let go of, “love we had stays on my mind.” Regret seeps in as it dawns on Murray that he has let go of a good thing singing “you meant more than I realised.” “Love we had” is cleverly followed by the album’s title track “Happy Days” bringing back good vibrations.

“Everytime I touch you” features a melodic hook that gets you straight away. Murray’s heartache is expressed through his flawless vocals that remain smooth but feature a thronging intensity. It is pretty much impossible to listen to this without at least doing a head bop.

Murray fleetingly shows off his falsetto (done with ease) on this and others tracks. HAPPY DAYS is a soulful ensemble that would easily thread any event together, weaving amongst its listeners and looping them together in contentment.
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By: Hume Johnson, PhD

CD Review by Tara Gething, Australian freelance writer.

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The Fashion Industry – Ambassadors of the Jamaica Brand?

American pop star Beyonce performs in a signature reggae number from the Jamaica/Bob Marley fashion collection.

Recently, I came across a series of fascinating articles on the Australian Fashion industry and how it was being positioned to service the Australia brand internationally. Indeed Austrade’s (Australian Trade Commission) National Manager, Rob Sutton commented that:

 ‘The Australian Fashion industry isn’t just about fabrics, frocks and fanfare, but one of the key cultural ambassador industries. Fashion is one of Australia’s key creative and design industries and we know that there are over 2000 active fashion exporters delivering their products and services in overseas markets”.

 It occurred to me that Jamaica might not be fully exploiting its own successes in the fashion industry to market Jamaica. When I say successes I mean the country’s international reputation for producing international top models whom have graced the cover of top fashion magazines (Vogue, Essence etc).

 Jamaica – A Place for Fashion? Lessons from Australia

Jamaica has also had enormous success premised on its past victories at international fashion industry competitions such as Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. These arenas have not only exhibited the beauty of our women, but displayed Jamaica’s top class designers and the quality of their productions.

 Australia has no doubt recognised that it has an international reputation for producing some of the emerging stars in the fashion world. The country is therefore committed, Sutton says, to exporting this vision with the goal of reflecting their creative environment; modern fresh ideas and quality products.

 As part of Brand Australia, Sutton says, they look at promoting the image of the nation through varying strategies, with fashion being an attractive component of that vision. For them, it holds key international mainstream media impacts, artistic component and celebrity story reach.

 This is undoubtedly true as I notice that top celebrities such as Eva Mendez, among others, have been flying into Australia to sample the design collections of many Australian designs – from the mundane items such as bracelets and bangles to top market pieces such as clothes, bags and shoes! Obviously, Australian celebrities such as pop singer, Kylie Minogue and actress Nicole kidman would have helped to establish the Australian brand by buying and wearing Australian desisgners.

Sutton argues that:

“It really helps to further Australia’s message through the creative industry. We are able to project diversity from pour relaxed beach culture – with our leading surf wear/swimwear brands to our vibrant cosmopolitan city lifestyles – with our urban street wear companies and cutting edge high fashion designers”.

 Reggae Fashion

No doubt, the Bob Marley clan have cornered a part of the reggae wear market and have had celebs such as Gwen Stefani sporting the signature reggae colours. Other artistes such as Sean Paul, Sean Kingston and Shaggy have been instrumental in enabling the Jamaica design brand overseas. Cooyah designs and others have emerged as niche marketers of a line of Jamaica clothing. It would have been nice to see them in Berlin expanding the reach of Jamaica and Jamaican designs on the world stage.

 Jamaican Street Wear – Untapped Potential

I give credit to the emergence of a wide variety of Jamaican urban ‘street clothing’ by creative young designers.  The ‘Portmore Collection’ and the Kingston Collection have the potential to take off. Some entertainers such as General Degree have been attempting to tap into the T-shirt market. This is also a good thing as the worldwide obsession with reggae and Jamaica and things Jamaican mean that the space is wide open for further in roads to be made in this arena.

 Australia’s creative industry particularly in fashion was showcased at the Rosemount fashion week in 2008. It featured Australian brands such as Jayson Brunsdon, High Tea, Mrs Woo, Madame Marie Rachel Bending which captured international buyer interest from countries as diverse as the USA, Canada, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand.

 Government Support

Like other cultural industries, the fashion industry may require government support. Sutton chalks up Australia’s success to the “result of the ongoing work that Austrade does in-market throughout the year to raise the profile and image of Australian brands. Actively supporting Australian brands and helping Australian exporters overseas. We work closely with retail buyers and agents to highlight the unique style of the Australian fashion industry.

Sutton considers as successes Austyle London and Dubai, Thailand’s Fashionably Australia and the 200 Ford Supermodel of the World event, which featured some of Australia’s top designers to more than 1000 of the worlds influential fashion leaders and international media.

 It certainly would be interesting to the Caribbean Fashion Week – which I have enjoyed immensely every time it’s on – receive the kinds of international exposure and traction apparent in Australia. And Jamaican/Caribbean designers tap into the international circuit.

 The success of the Australian business model is apparent – strategic thinking and positioning. In short, it’s no accident or chance encounter but deliberately planned and executed.

 Educating And Training in Fashion

Sutton’s commentary is telling here: “We (Australia) have also worked hard to host pre-fashion week seminars with over 100 participants to bring interested new fashion exporters up to speed on managing international sales growth and the expectations of our international guests”.

 Education and training – what would we do without it.  It would appear that Jamaica has left fashion to the ‘unskilled’- those who can’t find a job and therefore should get ‘sweing’ skills. The perception of the industry must change and fashion seen as not just a alternative vocation for less formally educated but a real industry that can produce stars of design – clothes, shoes, bags etc.

 The fact that Australia created their own ‘Project Runway Australia” reality show to much popularity, and established popular design schools for those wanting a career in the field – only serves to crank up interest in the fashion and design industry  and ensure its endurance.

 Jamaica is well-positioned to tap into the fashion market. We just need to seize the opportunity.

 For more information on Australia’s creative industries, see www.austrade.gov.au

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 Dr. Hume Johnson is a communications consultant, co-founder of The Communication Workshop; http://thecommunicationexperts.blogspot.com

Also see, Talking Politics at http://humejohnson.wordpress.com

Lymie Murray Inspires Young People with Song ‘One Way’ at Dream Jamaica Project

Reggae soul singer Lymie Murray will lend his powerful and inspirational song ‘One Way’ to the Dream Jamaica Project at its Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Friday, August 21, at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge, University of the West Indies.

Listen to “One Way” by clicking this link: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1748299

“We were recently introduced to the talent of Lymie Murray and was immediately impressed with the powerful lyrical content of his songs and how well they suited our mission to transform the lives of young people in Jamaica”, says Dream Jamaica organisation founder, Shemiele Dabriel.

Imbuing throughout the melody the voice of popular American motivational speaker Les Brown, ‘One Way’, is a powerful thesis about ambition and setting goals, perseverance, breaking down barriers to progress and the power of achievement.

The song, also featuring entertainer, Jah Thunda of Capleton’s David House crew, laments the rise of crime and violence and the danger of young people living only to survive: “War couldn’t be love. Hate couldn’t be faith, Grudge couldn’t be love; Get it out the place”, raps Jah Thunder “The idea is of the song is to encourage young people especially to recognise that despite their circumstances, ‘it is possible to achieve, but it is also good to take time to help and nurture each other. One hand must wash the other. This is how we become triumphant. There is no space for lack of self-belief or for negativity and selfishness”, says Lymie Murray.

“Whatever your goal is, you want think bad enough to go out and fight for it. To work night and day for it; to give up your time, your peace and your sleep for it”, says Les Brown in the opening lines of the melody.

Dream Jamaica is a non-profit organisation focused on creating and providing transformative opportunities for young Jamaicans to accomplish their educational and professional dreams and goals. Having winning attitudes and the correct behaviours and values is essential their success.

Lymie Murray’s ‘One Way’ is thus an appropriate anthem which reinforces the idea of hardwork and effort, the importance of having a positive attitude and the necessity of taking chances and seizing opportunities. After all, as Les Brown asserts – “If you cannot grow, you cannot become your best; If you cannot become your best, you cannot be happy”. In other words, “Know what your goals are; reach for them, says Lymie Murray.

 Lymie Murray is officially recognised as a Dream Jamaica Partner and preferred entertainer. The talented reggae singer has also accepted an invitation to mentor a student who wishes to pursue a career in music.

For Enquiries, write to:

Dr. Hume Johnson – humejohnson@gmail.com

http://www.thecommunicationexperts.blogspot.com

Lymie Murray: A True Jamaican Talent

http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/song_1757972

From the moment the usual penetrating percussion – synonymous with much of reggae – give way to the horns and piano unlocking some of Lymie Murray’s music, you know you are in for something refreshingly different. When the soothing, warm vocals of this superbly gifted Jamaican singer greet your eardrums, you know for sure.  Take a listen to ‘Love and Happiness’, ‘Every time I touch you’ and ‘Blessed’’ from Murray’s first album, ‘Happy Days’, or ‘Only Conversation’ from the album of the same name and you will be captivated.

Lymie Murray’s ballads are about love and life; He sings about the beauty and power of romantic love, of passion and togetherness. The melodies are comforting and accessible and you get the sense that unlike many reggae musicians, Lymie Murray is coming from a different place. Murray’s style is often labelled classical lover’s rock, the kind of reggae offered by the likes of Beresford Hammond and Glen Washington. But oh it is so much more!   Lymie transmits a distinct cosmopolitanism, a new, soft, honey-glazed mellow sound more akin to Europeans balladeers than a Jamaican reggae singer. Make no mistake however; the beautiful reggae instrumentals and powerful message music are close at hand but beautifully melded with Murray’s cheerful and optimistic vocals.  

 ‘Happiness is when you really feel good with someone’, Murray sings in a warm silky smooth vocal delivery that has made him one of Jamaica’s most-admired singer/songwriters. Lymie does not merely sing; he inhabits the songs, breathing meaning and purpose into them. ‘I see the children dying; I hear their mothers’ cry’..   It’s been more than a decade since Lymie Murray sang his way onto on the Jamaican entertainment scene. Lymie Murray counts three albums – Happy Days, Only Conversation and Start all over, though by his own admission his complete body of unpublished work are several albums in total! ‘Only Conversation’ features songs such as the title track of the same name, La La La (means I Love you) and Jah Fire.  

His body of work carries with it a positive, uplifting energy. Radiating through the beautiful recent singles ‘Only Conversation’, ‘Rolling Thunder’ and ‘Love for the People’ are a mix of romance and hardcore reggae about righteousness and social justice – reflecting his embedded Rastafarian consciousness.  

 A captivating stage presence, personal allure, and old-fashioned good looks, Lymie Murray is far too talented and accomplished to remain in the dim light of the background. Catapulting himself from singing background vocals for one time mentor, reggae great, Freddy McGregor, to claim his own space centre stage, Lymie Murray’s time has come. Increasingly recognised for his endearing and enchanting vocals, as well as superb writing and producing abilities, Lymie Murray has earned attention and new levels of respect in the demanding Jamaican reggae music industry.  

Early Years

 Lymie Murray was born Paul Hugh Murray on October 24, 1970 in Royal Flats, Manchester. This central Jamaican parish has produced an impressive list of outstanding Jamaican artistes, including Tony Rebel, Luciano and Garnett Silk. Although his vocal talent was obvious from his teenage years, Lymie Murray pursued seriously a career in Business Management at Decarteret and Knox colleges in Manchester. Upon graduation, Lymie made a bold move, migrating to capital city Kingston to assume a 9-5 job in corporate Jamaica.   Although a corporate career at that time was certainly more stable than the often unforgiving and unpredictable reggae music industry, Lymie says it was writing, producing and performing music that envisioned his career: ‘I was singing at school concerts, – at Church and at private parties.

I had a burning desire to sing’, says Lymie Murray. Introduced to producer, Desmond ‘Shangul’ Lawson in 1993 soon led to Murray’s debut single, ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’.   By 1995, Lymie was singing with popular reggae band, Skool led by former Chalice drummer, Desi Jones. By this time, the Skool band was playing on all of the US Sunsplash (reggae festival) tours from 1993 onwards. This means that Lymie was working alongside some of Jamaica’s finest artistes, including Diana King, Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy, Steele Pulse, Judy Mowatt, Big Mountain, Toots Hibbert and Gregory Isaacs. Lymie and Skool band toured extensively throughout the United States Europe, South America and Asia. He is featured on the compilation ‘live’ album entitled ‘Skool in Session’.  

During 1997, while still on tour with Skool band, a young Lymie Murray developed a professional relationship with lovers rock crooner, Freddie McGregor. Murray’s first release on McGregor’s popular Big Ship Label was the very poignant ‘Jah I Wanna Be With You Now’, featured on the Midem 1997 compilation. His second release was a charmingly sung cover of the Tammi Tyrell and Marvin Gaye classic ‘Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing’, featuring the beautiful songstress Zoe Fox. Lymie Murray’s terrific vocal talent was undeniable and almost immediately he was touring and opening with Freddie McGregor.   Although Lymie Murray’s career has a backing vocalist has been stellar, he was eager to accelerate his solo career. Collaboration among reggae producers, Barry Clarke (BCR International), Dalton Browne (Busy Bee Records), UK-based Stingray Records and the Big Ship Label resulted in the album, ‘Start All Over’, released by Jet Star (UK).  

Performances

 By 2000, Lymie Murray’s magical vocals and extraordinary song writing skills had not only made him recognisable, but gave him a secure foothold as a potentially powerful participant in the contemporary reggae music industry. Indeed, Lymie was included in the UB40 21^st Anniversary Concert celebration held in Birmingham, England in September 2001. He also performed on the London Philharmonic Series headlined by Jamaican reggae greats, John Holt and Ken Boothe.   In December of 2001, Lymie released the album, Only Conversation released on the Big Ship/VP records label. The singer’s positive energy emanate through this album. All the elements that fans love about great musicians are present – powerful vocals, honest emotions and the sing-along melodies that people love. In 2002, Lymie embarked on tours of Japan, United States and the Caribbean to promote Only Conversation, returning home to launch his own production company called Lime Lite. He continued to perform in Jamaica from 2003 onwards, delivering superb performances on Rebel Salute, Western Consciousness, To Mom With Love, which featured American singer, Johnny Gill and the Isley Brothers and Capleton’s St Mary me Come From, East Fest and Summer Hype.   2006 was a remarkable year for this seasoned performer. He launched an album compilation entitled ‘Time for Love’ at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Poolside. Here, Lymie brought to life the words of his single ‘Slow and Easy’ with a soulful rendition, featuring passionate animations and distinctive melodic inflections unique to him. Lymie also mesmerised audiences on International Reggae day and Summer Hype 06.    

Lymie Murray – Writer and Producer

When he is not on stage, Lymie Murray’s haven is in the studio. Without a doubt, Lymie Murray is one of those old fashioned Jamaican workaholics – the type who immerses himself in work thoroughly and convincingly that people sometimes forget who he is. Then with little or no fanfare, he moves on to the next demanding project – ignoring the glitzy Jamaican entertainment circuit.   Lymie admits his addiction to the process of producing music. ‘I spend a considerable amount of time in studio both recording and contributing to the work of colleague artistes. I love making music’. Recent collaborations include ‘Breath of Life’ with Jah Thunda (David House, Kingston, Jamaica) and the powerful remake of Bob Marley’s ‘Who the Cap Fit’ with the firebrand deejay, Jah Mason, and produced by Gumption.   Fully in charge of his career, Lymie Murray has found renewed buoyancy.

‘ at  The singer’s innate confidence is there in ‘Only Conversation’, the title track to the album of the same name, as well as in his upbeat recent singles ‘Rolling Thunder’ and ‘Real High Grade’ where he ignores the more intimate and romantic ballads to pay tribute to his Rastafarian faith.   Inspired by love and life – and the latter’s immense possibilities, Lymie Murray’s star is ready to shine and his fans can expect the same kind of excellence he has exhibited over the years. For those who have watched and admired Lymie Murray and celebrated the career of this exceptionally gifted artiste fully know the obvious – Lymie Murray was born for the stage… and made for success.               

Check out Lymie’s Music on www.reverbnation.com/lymiemurray

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