Title: Live To The Fullest
Artist: Tony Anthony
Label: Phylani Music
Format: CD
Date: October 15, 2014
Track list:
1. Weakness
2. Praise Him
3. Live To The Fullest
4. Love Don't Live Here Anymore feat. Nadera
5. Africa Is Coming
6. All I Need Is You
7. Can I Get Some Sleep
8. One Sweet Memory
9. Charade
10. What Is Life
11. Slave Driver
12. How They Feel
13. I Will Rise
12. Jah Nah Sleep
PREVIEW
TONY ANTHONY. A name to recognize in the integrity of Reggae Music and its progression. The Canada based veteran has just released his second solo album "Live To The Fullest". With a string of chart busting hits and well deserved awards, Tony has linked up some of today's top ranking producers from all over Creation to create a monumental set of instant Roots and Lovers anthems. He is part of Entertainment Works' legendary roster and the future is wide open for this well versatile talent. Massive respect to Nan Lewis and Johan Livens(Entertainment Works) for the continual vibes and vibes...
Tony Anthony(born Mark Bennett) hails from St.Catherine, JA. He began his illustrious career at age 14 after a mystic encounter with the legend Glen Washington and has never looked back. As a member of the CRUCIAL VIBES band, he recorded and performed with such greats as Jack Ruby, Horace Andy, Jackie Mittoo, Delroy Wilson, George Faith and Junior Reid, to name a few! He migrated to Canada in the early 90's and continued cultivating his songwriting and vocal power. He wasted no time immersing himself in Canada's vibrant music scene and the hits and awards kept coming. In 2007, his chart busters "Yuh Nuh Simple" (became U.N.I.C.E.F Canada's anthem) and "Mark Of The Beast" made international impact. His debut solo album "Million Chance" spawned numerous hits and music awards. He had caught the attention of UK producer Kris Kemist and JA producer Kemar McGregor that deepened his credentials. At the present time, Tony is on a promotional tour in Europe; having opened for Tarrus Riley and upcoming shows in the Netherlands (Reggae Central) and a confirmed UK date alongside Barry Biggs. His live performances are stunning to say the least.
For his sophomore solo effort, Tony has teamed up with German producers Tobias Zepenzauer and IDubs (Gideon Maans), Jamaica's Ralston Barrett and Dale Haslem, Kenya's Rebel Liberation Soundz, Sweden's Irie Vibrations and UK's Robin Hood Productions. Great studios were used like Smoke Shop, Moonraker, WMG Lab and Irie Vibration. It features great engineering from Steve Majors, Dale Haslem and Danny Maestro. This defining set is produced by Tony for his own Phylani Music label.
"Weakness" ("Wedding Bells" riddim) is a powerful opener! His rich and soulful voice meshes well tight with this superior riddim. It truly displays his incredible songwriting ability and he delivers heartically about the human condition. Top notch! "Praise Him" (Legends" riddim) is a champion bubbler with great backing vox from Ammoye Evans and heartfelt delivery from Tony. He pours Heart and Soul into every note in this ode to The Most High. Respect in every aspect. The title track is highest grade! Utilizing the "One Gambia" riddim, this is modern Roots Reggae at its finest. Brimming with intelligency and urgency, he delivers inspiration and hope runs through gracefully. "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" ("New Day" riddim) features the prowness of Nadera and is a Dancehall tight excursion about the reality of Love. Tony's smooth delivery is a great contrast to Nadera's sure fyah delivery. Standout selection. "Africa Is Coming" ("Ifreeka" riddim) is a righteous song to the Motherland - "no almshouse again" - and features angelic backing from Kadian Dixon. Tony's voice is completely original and ranks as one of the best in the business! The magic continues with "All I Need Is You" ("Sweet Jam Jam" riddim); a sweet Lover's tune that exemplifies how Tony shines in any category. "Can I Get Some Sleep" ("Johnny Blaze" riddim) from Kenya's Rebel Liberation Soundz is blazing hot! Instantly intoxicating, Tony fires on all cylinders on one of this year's best riddims.
"One Sweet Memory" ("Big One Drop" riddim) shows the diversity of Tony and the great production skills of Ralston Barrett. Solid Lovers all the way strong! "What Is Life" ("Life" riddim) is a soulful track with sincere depth and has a Beres Hammond quality with modern flair that delivers. Lyrics and riddim are masterclass through and through. "Slave Driver" ("Jah Jah" riddim) is THE Roots anthem on this set. "Slave Driver move on with your ishims and schisms" are lyrics that help make this a biting reality song for this time. Boomshot! "How They Feel" ("Village" riddim) features the mastery of Irievibration Records. The riddim is organically deep and the delivery is champion sound. Instant rewind on this yah one. Makes you sit and wonder. Serious track. This set closes with "Jah Nah Sleep" ("Niaroberry" riddim) which is another vision from Kenya's Rebel Liberation. Intertwining with true African spirit, this song will evoke true emotion. A true work of word sound and power. A diverse song that won't be forgotten!
TONY ANTHONY's "Live To The Fullest" is one of the most compelling sets this year. From Roots to Lovers and everything in between, this is a commanding work that draws its strength from the collaboration with the best in the business. The production is just right, the riddims are engaging and Tony's delivery is divine. He is a totally blessed artist whose talents go beyond his rich and soulful vocal powers. Canada has a whole heap of talent and this release reassures Tony's presence all over Creation. Do not hestitate, this release you will appreciate! Highest recommendation. GO DEH!!!!!
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