Duane Stephenson

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Singer/songwriter Duane Stephenson greatly impacted upon Jamaica’s musical landscape with the release of his stunning introductory album From August Town on Cannon/VP Records in early 2008, demonstrating that the heartfelt lyrics, sincere vocals, insightful commentaries and deeply rooted spirituality that made roots reggae a global force lives on in the 21st century. From the exquisite remake of the late Tyrone Taylor’s mid-80s lovers rock lament “Cottage In Negril” to the brilliant title track “August Town”, a contemplative tale of intermittent war torn conditions in the Kingston community where Duane was born and currently resides, From August Town reaped critical accolades. It was cited by Billboard Magazineas one of six albums “collectively galvanizing a roots reggae revival” with “lyrics that convey romantic longings and the anguish of ghetto realities with equal conviction” and similarly hailed by Pitchfork.com as “undoubtedly a highlight of not just 2008, but perhaps the past few years.” Following the release of From August Town Duane performed on several major stage shows across Jamaica, including Reggae Sumfest and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and toured throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean with Dean Fraser, the celebrated saxophonist and leader of the Blak Soil Band that supports Tarrus Riley, as well as the producer of From August Town; as Duane recruited new fans by performing various selections from his debut album in cities throughout the world, fans and critics alike eagerly awaited another album from this exceptionally gifted artist. And now, following a year of intense work in the recording studio, Cannon Music/VP Records released Duane’s much anticipated sophomore album Black Gold on September 14.