REFLECTION & REASON

If he never again wrote an original song, toured, or played an instrument, Bitty McLean would still be my favourite reggae artist. His voice alone is impeccable, a musical fact that is evident in any of his singles or albums from 2004's "On Bond Street" until his latest project, "Forward," that was released April 14, 2023 from TAXI Records. A special edition of the album was released in Japan in September of 2022. His formula is as authentic and traditional, as it is innovative and modern. Clean, melodic, and deeply, deeply rooted in reggae music's most foundational and inspirational elements. Bitty McLean consistently produces and performs good music, and stays committed to the sustainable elements of reggae music and culture. For this reason, he is always at the top of my list.   I admired his voice around the same time many others internationally were also powerfully introduced to him en masse, with "Walk Away from Love."  It's a song that c...

Every time I take a flight, there is one artist that I listen to for take off and landing, and the relaxing duration of travelling in the sky. In the peak of my vacation anticipation, one artist alone can match the musical high I aspire to achieve, and provide the perfect soundtrack to my journey. Bitty McLean is my artist. Bitty McLean has the one voice that can always put my mind at ease. Every time. He personifies everything that is great about reggae music, and music in general, and has proven to consistently produce and perform a style of reggae music that can speak to the deepest reggae lovers both in Jamaica or abroad. Through various eras of changes and trends, industry hype and confusion, the music of Bitty McLean has remained wholeheartedly great, technically sound, vocally strong, reggae music. A British Jamaica, born in Birmingham, England 46 years ago, Bitty has one of the purest and most identifiable singing voices in reggae music today. A uniquely clear tone, wi...

Every February since 2008, the government of Jamaica formally recognizes the celebration of Reggae Month on the island. Two of the genre's most influential musicians, Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, were both born early in the month, making it a fitting time of year to pay tribute to the music that helps to define Jamaica's identity domestically and internationally. Organized by the Jamaican Recording Industry Organization (JaRIA), Reggae Month features a variety of events from lectures to parties, showcases and documentary screenings, to pay homage to the music and also encourage its continuity. The best place to be: Kingston, of course. Here reggae lovers can participate in any of the annual special events like the Open University public lecture series, or JaRIA Live a series that presents emerging reggae artists to their potential fan bases. For each Wednesday in the month, Reggae Wednesdays features live concerts, and the following night Vinyl Thursdays is a great way t...