Reggae Ambassador Jimmy Cliff

By Roberto Jose

He is the true Reggae Ambassador - the last surviving icon of reggae music, has earned his Musical Innovator, Singer/ Songwriter, Actor titles over an illustrious career in the 20th Century and into the 21st. Born in St. James, Jamaica, the young man who wanted to simply express himself through music and acting has gone on to influence an eclectic mix of artists from Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy and Paul Simon, to the Clash and Sublime. Known for his easy, pop-friendly reggae style as well as harder-edged tunes with social and political lyrics and earnest voice, Jimmy Cliff has put his signature sound on some familiar hits.

Cliff’s cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” which was featured in the movie “Cool Runnings,” was a huge radio hit, and exposed him to a new and younger generation. Other recent musical projects include “The Lion King,” where Cliff appeared alongside Elton John on the film’s soundtrack. His last album is called ‘HUMANITARIAN’ he tells us, “because that’s what I am-as an artist and a musician on a terrestrial level.” From decade to decade now with his 23rd albums, FANTASTIC PLASTIC PEOPLE, Jimmy Cliff is still drawing capacity crowds of all ages. The 21st Century will find Cliff once again extensively touring the United States, South America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Africa and Tahiti.

Floetry

“Poetic delivery with musical intent” - that’s what singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius and emcee-songwriter Natalie Stewart call the fusion of soul and spoken word that is Floetry. Their anthem, “FLOETIC,” serves as the first radio track (and title track) of their debut album. When Floetry headed to Philadelphia for a show, it was there that they eventually hooked up with Jeffrey “Jazzy Jeff” Townes (as in Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince). Townes, who oversees A Touch of Jazz Productions, helped them land a deal with DreamWorks Records and then provided the production team that helped create FLOETIC. Besides doing their own music, the duo are also much sought-after songwriters. They’ve worked together to provide songs for artists like Michael Jackson, Jill Scott and Glenn Lewis. Through it all, Floetry is a team very in sync with each other.