A year and a half after the release of “Book of Job” (VP), Richie Spice is taking an interesting gamble with the acoustic album “Soothing Sounds”, on Tadés Records.
One of the most talented singers of the new-roots generation has thus dipped into his hit-filled repertoire (Earth A Run Red, Groovin' My Girl Open the Door, Marijuana, Brown Skin) to craft a 15-track opus, including the superb Free (in which one recognises the tint of the Viceroys’ riddim Ya Ho), a single released in mid-September. Also Crying, a cover of Ease the Pain that appeared more recently.
“I produced the album entirely myself, it is a production that is close to my heart”, Richie Spice confides. “It took me about 9 months to complete this project. The idea had been on my mind for a long time, and many of my fans had also asked me for it over the past few years.”
Keen to bring “a more intimate vibe”, in keeping with his conscious lyrics and warm voice, the former Fifth Element pupil thus shows a desire to constantly broaden his musical palette. “I wanted listeners to stop on the music and the lyrics, and also to show the world that good things come from Jamaica, and that Jamaican music can be played in several styles and formats”, he recently told the Jamaica Observer.
Supported in his approach by guitarist Mitchum “Khan” Chin (co-producer of the album), Richie Spice surrounds himself with essential musicians (Steven “Lenky” Marsden, Robbie Shakespeare, Bongo Herman), signing in passing a family feature with Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion (More Love). “Soothing Sounds” somehow echoes the excellent acoustic live DVD released – in a limited edition – with “In the Streets of Africa”, Richie Spice's reference album.
Out on 23 October.