Local musician Randeesh delivers Belizean-style roots reggae against the backdrop of the Roberts Creek rain forest on his new CD Courage by Mountain Lion Records with production and arrangement by Michael Hyde.
In keeping with many notions about the Creek, this CD, released last March, has a laid-back, gentle sound that offers simple, uplifting messages of peace and love. Randeesh describes himself as a man of music, art and nature; this blend of warm reggae and Canadian cool works well. "Where there's a will, there's always a way," sings Randeesh, songwriter and lead vocalist. He reveals his spiritual roots as well as his reggae roots in the song "Jah Knows." The title track, "Courage," is not the strongest one. The first offering, "People," has a catchier rhythm to it, and if you listen closely to "Bob Marley is a River of Love," you can hear snatches of music from the man Randeesh describes as an important musical influence. It is pleasantly evocative of old Marley tunes such as One Love.
Born in Belize, a small country in the western Caribbean, Randeesh uses a rich musical heritage from his Latin neighbours, from Africa and America and from the British colonizers of Belize. As a youth, Randeesh was the winner of the Voice of Belize contest. Now a Canadian citizen, he performs locally and will appear at the 17th annual Caribbean Days Festival in North Vancouver on Saturday, July 24, at 1:15 p.m. The weekend event of Caribbean music, food and culture will be held at Waterfront Park, next to the Seabus terminal; admission is free.
Randeesh's CD is available for sale at Ashley's Books in Sechelt. Hear him online at www.cdbaby.com or KREM Internet station.
