Album Notes

Barry Kingston and The Screaming Souls are a freakish example of pure musical ability and versatility. After putting out several rock inspired offerings over his career, Kingston dramatically changed gears. This surprising artist began listening heavily to artists like Bob Marley, Lauren Hill and Wyclef Jean. Two Reggae/R&B flavored recordings were the result. The first was Split Wide Open, released in 2001. This was a reggae-rock and pop powerhouse. His next offering fulfilled years of fan requests for a record that would capture the essence of Kingston’s live performances. The outcome was Live in concert: Pass it On.

The first song of this amazing body of work starts with the lines, "Would you be my friend, walking on this journey?, Would you be my companion, stand by me right or wrong, on the road to the promised land?" These lines express an invitation to the listener to join in this diverse songwriter’s mission in life; to bring people together through music. This heartfelt theme runs throughout this record’s infectious rhythms and soaring melodies. It draws the listener closer to this artist’s world view in a very personal way. One listen to this record and you can’t help but feel a bit more connected to the world around you.

This is the long awaited live in concert CD/DVD Barry Kingston fans have always wanted. People who have seen this artist perform live know they’re seeing something special. Live in concert/ Pass It On is explosive, passionate and infinitely energetic. A four song DVD captures the visual effect Barry has in a live setting. Barry's previous studio effort, Split Wide Open, was influenced heavily by reggae music. To witness Kingston and the Screaming Souls bring rock and reggae together so seamlessly in a live setting is something few artists can do with such ease and authority.

Hearing live versions of songs like Fire and Gasoline, Breathe, and Big Yellow Slide bring to light the fact that Kingston is not a studio fluke. This is a live performer worthy of being mentioned with the likes of Bono, Springsteen, and Bob Marley. The song Shakin from the Trees shows off Barry's guitar shredding abilities. Fans who have seen Barry with just an acoustic guitar will hear a very different side of his playing style exhibited here. A reworked version of I Can't do it Alone seems part reggae, part rock, and part jet engine once this song starts to take off!

Possibly the most exciting thing about this live recording is the fact that of the 16 songs on this CD, 8 of them are new. In fact, the first six tracks weren't on any previous recordings! This is indeed a very unusual way to begin a much anticipated live recording. It probably would have been easier to record the songs the Screaming Souls had been playing live for years and throw in a few new songs for good measure. And without doubt, this would have made for an engaging performance! But Kingston has never been one to play it safe, and that characteristic has certainly paid off here. Great songs such as People of the World and Good Day made their debut here---as recordings in front of a live audience.

Yet another new song is the title track, Pass it On. The lyrical concept for this song is the most endearing one on the record. It is an autobiographical look at Barry's musical journey made up of 53 past song titles, all written by Kingston. Somehow these disparate elements come together and make sense of a long and storied musical career, and point the way to a bright future and enduring legacy. This proved to be a very intriguing concept and one that the true Barry Kingston fan really appreciates. Interestingly, it has been reported that the song and melody both came to Kingston in a dream.

And yes fans, there is a bonus track at the very end that’s hidden for al of you. And yes, it is a live version Purple Sky---probably Kingston’s most requested ballad. .Originally released on Shakin’ from the Trees (1999), it was immediately a fan favorite. This spirited rendition was long overdue. With many fans singing along with Barry, one really gets a feel for the affection this song has engendered.

Barry's socially and spiritually charged conscience also comes to light on many of the new songs. Rock/reggae flavored anthems like Holla Back, Peace and Love and Music, and Companions on the Journey, have become integral parts of Barry's live shows. These songs are less passive pieces of music and more of an active call to arms. They are a challenge to the listener to join forces with this artist to try and change their inner worlds through music. A walk on this musical journey with Barry Kingston may just have you changing the world around you a bit as well. And best of all, Live in concert, Pass it On leaves you wanting more! You deserve this CD/DVD! Enjoy!