Veteran sax man chooses new 'Expression' - New instrumental album to be pitched to soaps

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

When his long-time publisher played some rhythm tracks for him early last year and asked if he would add a bit of jazz to them, veteran saxophonist Tony Greene immediately took up the offer.

Produced by Danny Breakenridge, the project was completed in less than one month and released as Expression, Greene's 10th album.

"It's like a freestyle thing. Once I heard the tracks I knew I could expand as a musician. That's why we called it Expression," Greene said.

Breakenridge, a fixture on the South Florida reggae scene for over 20 years, has published many of Greene's songs through his Upstairs Music company.

While Greene was in Fort Lauderdale last year, the two listened to tracks Breakenridge had recorded over the last 15 years for his label.

"A lot of them are reggae so we agreed to add a jazz feel to some to see if the people would like it," Greene explained.

Breakenridge has worked with acts like Carl Dawkins and Ken Boothe and South Florida reggae stalwarts Hopeton Lindo and Screwdriver. He plans to pitch Expression to soap opera and documentary producers. The instrumental set is being distributed locally by Tads Records.

Along with fellow saxophonist Dean Fraser, trombonist Nambo Robinson, as well as trumpeters Mickey Hanson and David Madden, Greene has recorded well-received instrumental albums that have helped keep the hornman alive in contemporary reggae.

After graduating from Alpha Boys' School, Greene joined the Jamaica Military Band and later played in the Sonny Bradshaw and Lloyd Parkes and We The People bands.

His time with the latter was more productive, as he toured and recorded with Dennis Brown for nearly 20 years. Greene left the band to pursue a solo career.

Mean Greene, Evolution and Midnight Blue are some of Greene's solo albums.