author: Carver Julien
Andrew I cannot believe that I stumble into you like this, I first met you in Wash. DC at the Bokum cafe at that time I was peforming with the Image band but look I have your cd and I grant you all the success evolving your way. I would like to get started with my own as soon as I get it together drop me an email some time ok
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This is a really great album from a guy who's been in the business for years.
author: Funnyhed
I knew about Andrew from his California days when he was playing drums with The Solid Foundation Band. You could find that band playing behind great Jamaican artists like The Itals, Tony Rebel,and Richie Spice, even The Ethiopians. When I heard that he was moving to Jamaica I knew that he'd come back with something really special and that's what this album is. Not only are the songs great but also he really took the time to select the right players. The album notes are a who's-who of the Jamaican recording industry. Great album!
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Finally a real American who gets reggae
author: DJ_Xeo
I totally dig this album. It's so refreshing to hear an American sing reggae without trying to sound like a Jamaican. Truly. And...the fact that he can really sing just makes it that much better. Good arrangements, sweet melodies and sophisticated topics make this CD a keeper.
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"Diamond In The Rough" to me is really a love letter to reggae
author: Ras Adam Simeon
Andrew Diamond grew in the Northern California reggae scene as a drummer from teen days. He then moved into sound engineering works and some long stints back and forth to Jamaica. All those years of sharing the stage with Jamaican reggae greats as well as his own growth really show someone who is extremely well versed in all aspects of reggae. This record "Diamond In The Rough" to me is really a love letter to reggae. It shows many styles; mainly lovers rock, but also some dancehall and roots reggae. "Special Guest" a Gregory Isaacs tune is given a nice treatment as well as "Smile" a silvertones track that Gregory made famous. The album leads off with "My Radio" a cry for real reggae music played by real players a sentiment I'm all for. Special guests include Prez Brown on "Run Around" and Queen Ifrica on "Puss N Dog war." The originals fit nicely along with covers like J.T.'.s "Fire & Rain" and Michael Rose's "Love Crisis: which includes a wicked dub version of that track as well. While not quite as strong a vocalist as his heroes, Diamond does a decent enough job and his heart is definitely in it.
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