Lenn Hammond unleashes 'Raw Soul'

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Hailing from a musically gifted family, Lenn Hammond is no stranger to what results from mixing talent, dedication and true passion. Winston 'Boyo' Hammond, Beres Hammond, Yogi, are just some of who Len Hammond can look to for inspiration.

While sources of inspiration can be found all around, Len Hammond says his father, his uncle, as well as old-time veterans such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Ken Booth, Al Greene, Garnett Silk are where he gets his.

Lenn, along with his brothers would make musical instruments out of cans and anything else they could get their hands on. They would then hold concerts in the backyard, providing entertainment for neighbours and passers-by in Port Maria, St Mary, where Len Hammond's family is from.

Today, Lenn Hammond is an eclectic artiste with multiple talents. For over a decade, Lenn has recorded for some of the best producers and production teams in the business. At the same time, he has an impressive repertoire, from Marcia Griffiths to Sizzla, Anthony B to Mr Easy, to name a few of the artistes he has either written or produced for.

Lenn's debut album, Lenn Hammond, received numerous accolades as the 'best reggae recording' including the highest award of merit achievable in the Canadian music industry - a JUNO. Lenn received his first JUNO nomination in 1996, when he released his first single, Just the Other Night.

The singer, songwriter, producer, musician and composer, is currently working on his sophmore album entitled Raw Soul, which should be released soon.

"Mainly that's the priority project now, apart from a few other singles, No Stranger and Mr Deejay. There are a few other singles like Talk to Me that are getting some airplay, both locally and internationally. In terms of collaborations, there's going to be one with myself and Ce'Cile, and another with Louis Culture." he said.

Hammond explains the concept behind Raw Soul.

"I try to write about real things rather than fictional stuff. So, instead of telling a girl about giving her the mountains, I tell her I can give her a phone card so that we can call each other. It's more practical. Most of the tracks are produced by myself and others by the Uprising band. It's a lovers' rock, social-conscious album," said Hammond.

Personal

His new album, he said, is more personal because he wrote the tracks straight from his guitar.

Hammond said the music industry was being marred by illegal downloading and the lack of authentic talent, producers and musical content.

"It's not going in a positive direction, so I think we need to regroup. The digital part of it is good though, because that's the way the world is going; but I would love to see the business and the music presented in a more positive and commercial form. I would love for it to be available more in the mainstream outlets like K-Mart and those other big franchise stores," he stated.

Music, for Hammond, "just happened".

According to him, reggae is growing in Canada.

"It is big in the underground market and also the commercial market and, from my experience, it is a very popular and potent form of music; and a very important part of Canada's present multicultural population."

grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com