Gramps Morgan is back with a vengeance, releasing his new album “Reggae Music Lives” via his own “Dada Son” record label on 24th April this year. It follows on from 2009’s “Two Sides Of My Heart Vol One” and also features the recently released single “Life’s Too Short” which came out on 25th March.

Tell Us About Him

Born Roy Morgan, he is the son of the legendary musician Denroy Morgan but nicknamed Grampa (shortened to “Gramps”) when he was a kid because be bore an uncanny resemblance to his Grandfather. Making music was in his blood, he’s one of twenty nine children, most of whom are involved in the music industry in some way, shape or form.

The family had a successful band called “Morgan Heritage” of which he became a member at the age of just nine. Altogether the band produced ten albums and had many hits including “I’m Coming Home” and “Daffi Dread”.

He cites his influences as coming from great acts like Stevie Wonder, Toots and The Maytals and Buju Banton.

His first album “Two Sides Of My Heart Volume One” was released to great critical acclaim and saw him winning many award at the 2010 International Reggae And World Music Awards including Best New Entertainer and Best New Song (for “Wash Away The Tears”, taken from the album).


The New Album

Currently standing (at the time of writing) at number twelve on the Billboard Charts it’s easy to see why he’s had so much success. The album is a brilliantly upbeat affair, combining the best of proper old skool reggae music, the sort of stuff that’s perfect for listening to while you chill out at home with your friends and family, all relaxing on your
leather sectional sofa having a great time.

Gramps seems to produce the sort of music that’s really lacking at the moment, really inspiring and uplifting. He’s not afraid to embrace the latest in music technology whilst still remaining resolutely true to his reggae roots. It’s good to see it being taken to the next level and being made accessible for everyone. Here are a few sneaky preview tracks from the new release to really get you into the Gramps Morgan vibe; the first is “Life’s Too Short”:


Life's Too Short

It’s a fantastic song with a brilliant message to take home from it, simply he asks you to make the most of everything you have and not to worry too much about the small stuff when there’s much worse happening in the bigger picture outside:


“Life’s too short fi a stress about di small things when we know Jah bless me with everything. Life’s too short to worry bout bad mind when the world a suffer from war and crime…”

The second song is “Dream”, which is another inspirational song urging you all to reach out, know you’re a star and reach out for your dreams:

The third is “Want fi Charge” a duet with India Arie:

The real theme of this album seems to be very positive, which comes from Gramps’ inherently good natured music and lyrics. If you want something you can achieve it. Moreso, you can do it without forgetting your roots or where you came from. People will always succeed if they try and no matter what, always do your best and give everything your all. It’s a mantra that Gramps seems to have stuck too both musically and personally. He’s a very passionate man with passionate causes and alongside his exceptional musical work he’s also a vocal and hard working campaigner too.


Seriously Speaking

Gramps is a passionate campaigner as well as being an outstanding musician. He’s already established a charity to help people who have been less fortunate than himself in life. It’s called “Music Orchestrating Miracles” and it’s been set up to help people all across the world that are in need of aid and relief. In Africa, the charity is trying it’s best to provide essential equipment like Malaria medication and HIV Testing kits as well as “basic” everyday stuff like Mosquito nets and water purification tablets, particularly to areas of the country that are remote and largely inaccessible. In the past, Gramps has leant a helping hand at benefit concerts for the people of Haiti and also in the wake of last year’s devastating earthquake in Japan.

Gramps Morgan outstanding reggae talent with a brilliant past and an equally bright future. Give the new album a go…

Review by Imogen Reed for Jamrockvybz.com

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