As the STAR prepares to kick off the tribute series under our STARlight banner, where we honour those who have made a significant contribution to the music industry, we begin with singer and Grammy nominee Freddie McGregor, whose music and chart-topping hits span decades. Join us at Club Impulse, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston (above Burger King), this Saturday night, March 19 as we honour this musical stalwart. Showtime 10 p.m.
Chino's US album to be released May 24
The countdown to Chino McGregor's debut US album has shifted into full gear, and the album is expected to hit shelves on May 24.
The album, titled Chino, will feature an ample array of musical genres. Chino says this was deliberate. "Growing up, I was influenced by a wide cross section of music, not only because of what I saw and listened to at the Big Ship studio, but I also grew up travelling a lot and going on tour with my father, so I was exposed to a lot of cultures and their music," he said.
"So that's going to be illustrated in this album. There are tracks there with jazz, reggae, dancehall, rock; you name it, it will be there," says the artiste who is known for his chart-toppers Protected, From Mawning, Ruff It Up and whose last Japan release Never Change topped the Japan Reggae iTunes chart.
Shortly after the release of his US album, the artiste will be releasing a DVD called The Autobiography of Chino McGregor. The DVD, which will be a documentary chronicling the making of the album, withbehind-the-scenes footage, tours and performances, and will be released for sale on iTunes.
In reference to the upcoming DVD, he says, "It's easy for people to stay on the outside and look at an artiste or musician and think what we do is easy, but that's far from the truth. The documentary will really give fans some insight into my work, what goes into it and also lots of insight into my personality. It will show all the drama, work and fun that I'm experiencing right now, leading up to the release of the album. So they can definitely look out for that."
In conclusion, Chino says, "This is is my first US album, so we are definitely coming hard and really thought outside the box for every single track. Most of the tracks were produced by Di Genius and we want to represent our music as best as possible on the international scene. So mark your calendars - May 24."
