Alborosie - Specialist Presents Alborosie & Friends 2CD (2014)

On June 24th 2014, Greensleeves Records will release Specialist Presents Alborosie & Friends, a double disc of duets chronicling the ascent between the renowned Jamaican music executive Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon and his Sicilian-born reggae virtuoso Alborosie (Alberto D’Ascola). Specialist is the long-time manager of vocalist, songwriter, producer and dubmaster Alborosie and responsible for the success of other notable reggae acts including Shabba Ranks, Patra, Mad Cobra and Bounty Killer.

Together, they selected Alborosie’s top reggae collaborations recorded over the last five years, many of which were featured on the international reggae star’s last three studio albums (Sound The System, Two Times Revolution and Escape From Babylon). Greensleeves will issue a 10-track vinyl edition of the compilation also available June 24th.

Built on his musical ability and production expertise, Alborosie’s reggae is a unique blend of vintage sounds built with old and new technology and great songwriting. Most tracks feature him playing multiple instruments and were recorded at his own Shengen Clan Studio in Kingston, Jamaica.

With songs like “Stepping Out” feat. David Hinds of Steel Pulse, “Money” feat. Horace Andy, “Guess Who’s Coming” feat. Black Uhuru and “I Can’t Stand it” feat Dennis Brown, Alborosie puts his modern day spin on these iconic hits while featuring the original artist. He also recreates Bob Marley classics including “Burnin and Lootin” and “Natural Mystic” alongside the reggae legend’s son and recording artist Ky-Mani Marley. On his new original recordings, he delivers a diverse blend of deep roots cuts (“Meditation” feat. Sizzla, “One Sound” feat. Gramps Morgan, “Celebration” feat. Gentleman and “Life” feat. Jah Cure), hard-hitting tunes (“Murderer” feat. Busy Signal and “Streets” feat. Ky-Mani Marley) and love ballads (“Blessings” feat. Etana, “Is This Love” feat. Zoe, “I Surrender To Your Love” feat. I Eye and “Can’t Let You Go” feat. Nikki Burt).