BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Grand Masters Band delivered pep, pep and more pep last evening (Dec. 14) during the launch of their 2011/2012 album, ‘Step Pon Dem’, much to the satisfaction of their many fans.
The ZIZ Radio station was filled with the sound of the “Masters of the Art” even before the launch began, as tunes reminiscent of yesteryear were played in the build-up to the much-awaited release.
With most of the band members present and with ZIZ’s Ronnie ‘Magic Fingers’ Rascal at the mixer board, the GM fans were introduced to the ‘Step Pon Dem’ body of work although some of the songs were written and released since early 2011.
The release began with a few of the cooler, groovy, party-style songs like ‘My Music’ led by Rucas and Sucky and ‘No Bodyguard’ led by Smiley.
The tempo was however accelerated considerably when ‘Elevator’, ‘Blackberry’ and the album’s number one track, ‘None ah Them’, reverberated over the airwaves.
Incorporated in the chorus of that tune are the words of the album’s cover, “step pon dem”. And according to the band’s lead singer, Smiley, the song simply suggests and means that “whether in the dance, on the road or elsewhere, none ah dem can do it like we”.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Manager of the GM, Wingrove Hicks, explained how “None ah Them” was birthed.
“It came from a ‘riddim chart’ we were playing for some months now and we realised whenever Smiley sang to it, it has a really big impact on the crowd, and it took off from there.”
Approximately 1 800 ‘GM Addix’ were logged on to the radio station enjoying the rhythms and lyrics of their favourite band; some even requesting that specific tracks be replayed for maximum merriment.
The suite of songs comprises:
1. None ah Them – Smiley
2. Blackberry – Rucas
3. No Bodyguard – Smiley
4. Jess Back – Smiley
5. Come Down to Roll – Marley
6. My Music – Rucas, Sucky
7. Elevator – Smiley
8. Bounce a Gyal – Rucas
9. House Mix 1 – Rucas, Smiley, Marley
The artistes were congratulated on their release by their fans and, according to Smiley, it was not only a success but it was “magnificent”.
The album was produced by Jeffery Brookes at Platinum Records Studio in Newtown Ground.
For the past three years, the Grand Masters Band has won the Road March Competition and it seems as if they are confident of another victory.
“Anybody who is competing had to be confident or then it wouldn’t make any sense. So, of course, we are confident,” Hicks expressed.
He made special mention of the band’s fans, without whom its success would not have been possible.
“We always thank fans for their generosity and we hope that they would continue relying on this band, the most reliable band.”
Copies of the ‘Step Pon Dem’ album will be available for purchase from tomorrow (Dec 16) at BCA, Central Street and Tony Berry’s Shop at Wigley Avenue.
