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It is my privilege to review an album that is hands-down, the best contemporary reggae recording of 2004. Nothing else has even come close, not even Morgan Heritage's latest effort! And best of all, it's Gospel! It's time for you to "Open Your Eyes" to the Katalys Crew, an eight-member group (six guys and two girls), hailing from Kingston, Jamaica. Fusing traditional roots reggae with dancehall, soca and ska, this live band has successfully created an entity like none other in the gospel industry.
Driven not only by their rich musical talent but also by their heart for ministry, these born-again singers and players of instruments have set out to be a "catalyst," an agent of change. These Jamaicans desire to transform the traditional Christian approach to music on their island (and in the rest of the world) in an effort to spread their faith more effectively. Have no doubt, they are the real deal!
The album kicks off with a hard-hitting intro that makes me wish I were sitting front-and-center at one of the band's critically acclaimed live shows. What follows is the title track and quite possibly the best tune on the album. It is a commanding one-drop roots cut that will instantly grab any listeners' attention. Once your ears have perked up, the Crew takes it up a notch with a 2004 re-interpretation of the traditional "Nothing but the blood of Jesus" (over an old-school dancehall rhythm). On this song, Radic picks up the mic and flows in his signature deejay stylee. It's no wonder that the Katalys Crew's "Caribbean Rhythms" have become so "hot this year" in Jamaica.
By now it is clear that these guys are not 'playing it safe' to stroke the church. This isn't "diet-reggae," these guys have come to reach the lost. When I hear songs like "Riding High," it's clear that this group has surpassed the likes of Morgan Heritage and other recent VP productions. This is a massive tune, replete with a tight live band and real horns! Traditional ska also graces this album on tracks like "Let Go, Let God" and "That Touch," showing just how authentic this collection is.
The two lead vocalists of the group are Jai and Radic. Radic's name stands for Righteousness And Divinity In Christ (not to be confused with singer Jack Radics). He is a skilled singjay/deejay that spits out a tight patois flow. On this album he tears up the microphone with more energy than Sizzla over live band hits and breaks on songs like "A Who?," "Pray Fi Dem" and "Two masters." In contrast are the sweet high-tenor melodies of Jai on tracks like the serenading "Can't Take My Lord," and "God's Mercy." Not to be confused with the former Christafari singer, vocalist Jai, (whose name stands for "Jesus And I"), has a style and tone that is familiar yet commanding.
A few of the songs towards the end include programmed drums using various incarnations of contemporary soca and ragga-soca beats. Despite the departure from live drums, the authentic sounds, polished production and contrasting vocals make for a dynamic combination that is not to be missed!
The Katalys Crew has been labeled as "Jamaica's #1 Roots Inspirational Gospel Band"--at title that is well deserved. Their genuine sound is appealing to both Christians and unbelievers alike. This is real reggae and authentic dancehall. It hasn't been filtered through America or any another Caribbean island, nor has it been homogenized by the traditions of the often close-minded Jamaican church. It is 100% authentic reggae with sound doctrine.
As producer and bassist Paul Barclay said, "This CD is the result of twenty years of (my) experiences." It is a labor of love, featuring the producer's best work to-date. In addition to great music (13 solid tunes with 2 interludes), this is also an enhanced CD with bonus videos and clips that are sure to 'Open Your Eyes' even wider!
As a recording artist, I occasionally come across a song or two from another group that I wish that I had written. This album is full of them from beginning to end. I admire the songs, production, vocals and musicianship on this release to the highest degree!
"Open Your Eyes" is a reggae/dancehall release in the truest of tradition with no apologies made. To be honest with you, I sometimes struggle with writing these album reviews. It is not always easy to be both honest AND flattering to a recording. This timeless album is a tremendous exception. My review simply wrote itself as these sweet Jamaican sounds massaged my satisfied ears. Take my word for it; buy a copy of "Open Your Eyes" today. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED!
- Mark Mohr, www.lionofzion.com
Basil Walters, Observer staff reporter
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
One of the newest outfits on the local music scene in general, and on the gospel circuit in particular, is the Katalys Crew, a group of eight (six males and two females) young Christian singers and players of instruments, who launched their debut album, Open Your Eyes on Monday, June 14 at Kingston's Emancipation Park.
Driven not only by their rich musical talent, but also by a sense of mission, the goal of the Katalys Crew is reflected in their motto: "An Agent of Change". The group, whose members, ages range from 21 to 37, has a fixity of purpose to transform the traditional Christian approach to music in an effort to spread the faith more effectively.
Led by bass player, Paul "Pablo" Barclay, the Katalys Crew's mission is, as the title of their nine-track set proclaims, to Open Your Eyes, using the medium of dancehall/hip-hop-flavoured Reggae music to promote the gospel.
As a result, the eight-member ensemble produces gospel music with a difference. Their new-age approach provides for instant appeal, not only to a younger, more hip Christian audience, but also for the mainstream music market.
The Katalys Crew first came to the attention of many observers when, at a Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) awards ceremony in Kingston earlier this year, bassist Pablo, keyboardist Courick Clarke (son of Irie's Bob Clarke), drummer Clifton "Johnny" Clarke (no relation), Wayne "JAI" Buchanan on vocals, singjay Kemoy Rowe (aka Radic), and Gawain Gibson, as well as harmonisers Patrice Moore and Nadine Miller, put on a performance that was polished and memorable.
Vocalist JAI's (Jesus and I) styling and stage presence was particularly commanding. Before he became a member of the Katalys Crew, this gifted young man had to his credit, three releases on the Marjohn label.
These are God,s Mercy, Can't Take My Lord Away (From Me) and That Touch. Two of the songs, God's Mercy and That Touch are included on the band's debut album, Open Your Eyes.
Another immensely talented member of the group is singjay Radic (Righteousness And Divinity In Christ) who also released a number of singles, namely Riding High, A Who, Let Go and Let God, all on the Katsjam label.
Three years ago, Barclay, who became a career musician in 1991 with the Grace Thrillers, started the band. On its first outing, the Katalys Crew provided accompaniment for singer Abijah on a 2001 stage show, then their first major project was the Hopeville tour of Jamaica, featuring international gospel artistes Kirk Franklyn, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin.
The Katalys Crew has also worked with leading local gospel acts such as Carlene Davis, Judy Mowatt and Papa San, but the group has no qualms about sharing their talent with some secular entertainers.
As the resident band for the popular "First Sundays Unchained" series at the Life of Jamaica Auditorium, they have performed with Abijah, Warrior King, George Nooks and Ken Boothe.
"In keeping with the meaning of our name, Katalys Crew is about effecting change without changing ourselves," founder/leader Paul Barclay said.
"One of the things that is lacking in the traditional Christian approach (to music ministry)" he went on, "is that they (Christian artistes) fail to support a good thing that might not necessarily about Christianity."
The Katalys Crew, Barclay clarified, was not adverse for instance to working with secular outfits - in certain circumstances, of course.
"If we're called to support a project or an event which is a good thing for the society, we won't shy away from it," he added, again citing the "First Sundays Unchained" series, a charitable venture in which his band participates, he says, to promote education in Jamaican prisons.
But venturing into the world of secular music doesn't stop the Crew from becoming an integral part of the gospel music scene in Jamaica.
Katalys, the official backing band for gospel singer Shirley Willis, last year was the supporting band for the entire Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival Gospel Song Competition, and will do the honours again for the 2004 contest series.
In 2003, the band won a gold medal in the Caribbean
Championship for the Performing Arts, and also participated in the VMBS 125th anniversary celebrations here and in New York. Later this year, Katalys will embark on an islandwide stint dubbed "Generation Tour" which they hope will be taken around the Caribbean as well as to a few North American destinations.
- www.jamaicaobserver.com
Greetings in the name of Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ revealed to me in the personality of Haile Selassie I! Heartical music for real. Keep the vibes positive and keep manifesting the Holy Spirit and revealing Christ through your works. U dunno how big the No Power & Rat Race riddims have been for me over the last 2 years... The Katalyst album itself is a truly upfull vibes, I will be purchasing multiple copies for Christmas presents soon ;) Patiently awaiting next riddims and Clifford Henry album! Never ashamed of the Gospel! Christ Jesus Bless Us --- Bro Phil / Fzlah ----- Solomonic Sound System
Phil <phil@triagency.com> - www.katsjam.com
published: Thursday | December 2, 2004
ARTISTE: KATALYS CREW
ALBUM: 'OPEN YOUR EYES'
IF YOU have not heard of them before, you won't be in the dark for much longer.
Upcoming gospel artistes Katalys Crew has managed to put together their first album, Open Your Eyes.
These agents of change are on a mission to 'positively transform the minds of many through the unique language of reggae music.
One of the album's strengths is its use of a variety of styles and beats within the reggae genre. You don't get the chance to be bored by having to listen to one monotonous beat throughout the album.
For instance there is Let Go, Let God which is a spin-off from the ska era, which many young people may not be able to appreciate.
The group has, however, managed to turn it into a 'get-up-and-dance' tune, reinforced with a positive message: "Let go, let God control your mind, cause if you try to make it on your own, you'll be wasting your time."
Then, there is Pray Fi Dem, which is more of a dancehall gospel tune and slower songs such as God's Mercy, That Touch and Riding High which has a groovy, one drop beat.
STRONG LYRICS
The lyrics are another of the album's strengths. They are simple, clean uncomplicated and based on real-life situations with which just about anyone can identify.
One must be warned that some of the tracks might be a bit more than the traditional thinkers can handle because, they are a little like some of the dancehall songs, with different lyrics.
David Dance, which offers to teach new dance moves 'to get with it on the dance floor' such as ('Follow the Cross', 'Whip the Devil' and 'Under the Blood'), sounds a lot like Elephant Man's, Pon Di River.
It may be for the more radical folks, but that definitely does not take anything away from the album's appeal.
There are quite a few tracks that stand out. Among them is Can't take away my Lord, which starts out with Jai's smooth vocals, 'You can take away my house, take away my car, but you can never take my faith in the Lord. You can take away my life, whatever it may be, but you cannot take my Lord' and moves in to a more up tempo beat.
Open Up Your Eyes, Riding High, David Dance, That Touch and Nah Give Up are few of the others.
If you pop the CD into your computer, you will also get about an hour of videos, interviews, some of the Crew's candid moments, a photo gallery as well as biographies of the group's members.
Katalys Crew has certainly opened up a few eyes to the gospel and a many more will surely be opened to how radical gospel music has become.
All in all, it's a very good compilation and professionally produced. Kudos to the crew.
- Monique Murray - www.jamaica-gleaner.com
Discography
Open Your Eyes: Just Released! New Enhanced CD from the Katalys Crew.
Features:
Open Your Eyes
Riding High
god's Mercy
Let go let God
Can't take my Lord
Ah Who?
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Katalys Crew has been together for two years. And Although the band is relatively young, in terms of years together and also in age (range from 21 – 37), the collective years of experience in playing music in Jamaica, have allowed each member to embrace the mission of heightening the consciousness of self and inculcating the very essence of cultural identity through the creativity and dynamism of reggae music.
With this insight, the Crew sees themselves as an Agent for Change, a motto which supports the mission of KatsJam Records, to positively transform the minds of many through the unique language of reggae music. The talent of each member was crafted and honed in the church, but for most musicians, there is usually a thirst for new experiences so the quest to explore other dimensions must be embarked upon. The church provided this solid foundation and positive God given values that the Crew needed and to this day, understands as the core ingredient for whatever horizon they explore.
THE MEMBERS:
Paul Barclay (Bassist), the founder and leader of the band, having recalled his love for chemistry at high school, adopts the meaning of the one word that seemed to have left an indelible mark on his mind: ‘catalyst’ – an agent which has the ability to instigate change without itself being transformed. His dream was to utilize music as the springboard for change without loosing the essence of its message. As a result, “Katalys” was born.
Johnny Clarke (Drummer), a founding member, has been in discussion with Paul for over 10 years about the possibility of forming a duet to produce and accompany the various artistes, emulating positive characters such Sly and Robbie, and Steelie and Clevie.
Garnet a noted keyboard player in the gospel arena was recruited after our first stint together of accompanying Abijah in Browns Town in April 2001. At this occasion, the name Katalys Band was used for the first time.
Courick, one of the brightest young keyboard players in Jamaica at present, joined the band during the 2003 National Gospel Festival Finals and has proven to be an excellent team-player.
As the only local band that performed during the Hopeville Tour of Jamaica, in February 2003, where international artistes such as Kirk Franklyn, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin were the main acts, Katalys took a new direction and featured a DJ/Singer.
The sensational, conscious entertainer R.A.D.I.C, which means ‘Righteousness And Divinity In Christ’, was the featured DJ/Singer. He has released singles such as ‘Riding High’, ‘A Who?’, ‘Let Go, Let God’ on the Katsjam label.
Katalys encountered a young singer with immense talent, Wayne Buchanan aka J.A.I. (Jesus And I), and decided to have him upfront with R.A.D.I.C. as the lead singers for the band, a combination that has proven to be very successful. J.A.I. has released three songs namely ‘God’s Mercy’, and ‘Can’t Take My Lord’ on the Marjohn label.
Patrice & Nadine joined the group as harmonizers during the 2003 gospel festival tour of the island and has been excellent support both on stage and in the studios.
The members have been associated with well known artistes such as Ernie Smith, Papa San, Judy Mowatt, Luciano, Carlene Davis, just to name a few and more recently, was the backing band for the 2003 JCDC /National Gospel Festival Finalists for the entire season.
The Katalys Crew is the resident band for “First Sundays Unchained” held every first Sunday at the Life of Jamaica Auditorium. The event features artistes such as Abijah, Warrior King, George Nooks, and Ken Boothe. This is a charitable venture to promote education in the prisons of Jamaica.
In July 2003, the band was showcased at the Caribbean Championships for the Performing Arts, which is an American organization that seeks to identify talents throughout the Caribbean. The band was awarded a gold medal and the opportunity to enter the world championships which was scheduled for October 2003 in Los Angeles, which unfortunately, the band was unable to attend.
The band recently completed the recording of its debut semi-live album, entitled ‘Open your eyes’. This will be released in the first half of 2004.
Katalys Crew is managed by EMBA (Entertainment Management and Booking Agency). The management team is comprised of entrepreneur and known philanthropist Mark Chung, Kwamie Gordon, attorney-at-law, and Paul Barclay, band leader.
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