Leba Hibbert gives 'A Taste of Jazz'

Leba Hibbert, daughter of Toots Hibbert, is one of the artistes expected to turn heads at The Gleaner's and The Jamaica Jazz and Blues's A Taste of Jazz.

But who is Leba Hibbert?

Surrounded by music and dance all of her life, this unique and aspiring female entertainer from Kingston, Jamaica has spent many years singing and performing on stages around the world.

The lyrics of one of her songs, expresses the passion she has for her art. "Music is in my body, makes me wanna dance. Music is in my body, makes me wanna sing", tells the story of singer/songwriter Leba Hibbert's life.

This sultry and talented artiste has recorded with numerous popular reggae acts including Japanese reggae star Nahki, Sly and Robbie and Jimmy Cliff, on the sound track of the movie Lion King.

Leba has been the foundation of Toots and The Maytals backing vocals for many years, where she graces the stage with her famed father, Toots Hibbert.

Leba has had chart topping songs dating back to 1989 when 54-46, a duo she started with her sister Melanie, recorded Ooh La La and some other R&B covers for reggae producers Sly and Robbie on their Taxi label.

Ooh La La topped the British Black Echo charts twice, while the cover of Never Get To Heaven charted well enough to help them secure a recording contract in 1990 with Island Records' Mango label.

Another successful project, in which Leba collaborates with well-known Jamaican vocalists Pam Hall and Keisha Patterson, is Kingston Ladies, a trio with a unique urban reggae sound. They recorded an album for French reggae producer, Pierre Simone in late 2003, and did some outstanding promotional tours in France in 2004 and 2005. The group also performed at the revived Jamaican Reggae Sunsplash in August 2006, and received exceptional reviews.

Leba maintains relations with the Taxi Label, performing background vocals on many of the label's hits, and lead vocals on two songs for Sly and Robbie's 1999 Grammy award-winning album entitled Friends. Her powerful lead vocals also energised Amazing, the title track for their 2009 Grammy-nominated album.

Leba also performed backing vocals on Toots and The Maytals' 2005 Grammy-winning album True Love, and played the lead role in the video of her cover of Donna Summer's Finally, which was also produced by the Taxi Label.

More recently, she collaborated with popular DJ Turbulence on a song and video called Criminal Of Love for World Boss label, and her debut solo album is in its final stages of production. This album that she co-produced, showcases Leba's extensive talents as a singer/songwriter, and presents a skilful blend of diverse vocals and rhythmic styles laced with sometimes subtle, but exciting reggae grooves and overtones. It is scheduled for release in the fall of 2010.

With all these commitments, Leba credits her son CJ with helping to keep her focused, and for being her constant source of inspiration. Her soulful voice has an unassailable conviction, and she brings a unique sound to the Jamaican music scene that moves and captivates all who listen. This new album is sure to be everything music lovers expect it to be, and much more.