Splicer eyes local market

Little was heard in Jamaica about singer Splicer's debut album, Path To Persue, which was independently released in the United States and Europe in 2010.

With his second set scheduled to be out later this year, he is looking to raise his profile in his homeland.

"If you're not in Jamaica you don't get the right type of mileage for your music, so we're looking to be in Jamaica during the summer to establish some contacts," said the New York-based Splicer.

The yet-to-be-titled album features several of the musicians who worked on Path To Persue, including veteran bass player Derrick Barnett, best known as founder and former leader of the Sagittarius Band.

Drummer Carl Wright and singer/producer Ed Robinson also appear on the new project.

Splicer (real name Oral Williams) hails from the district of Salt Marsh in Trelawny. He has been recording since 1992 when he cut Can't Test My Sound with singer Dawn Penn for producer John Wayne.

He said he maintained a busy recording schedule for various producers including Chris Meredith and Jack Scorpio, but several of the songs were never released.

Ten years ago, he moved to the United States and fit into the competitive New York City reggae scene. After nearly a decade living in the Big Apple, he collaborated with Barnett and company to record Path To Persue.

"It's about the journeys one has to travel, the things we have to face and the battles we have to win to stand firm in this Gideon," he said.

He added that the new album will also have a roots feel.