Denver D breaks out with Musically Disturbed
Musically Disturbed is the title of the solo debut album from singer and musician Denver Smith, known musically as Denver D.
Having made his mark as a percussionist, Denver D was encouraged to explore his vocal aspirations after receiving a telephone call.
“A lady name Beverly Dunkley called me one day and encouraged me to explore the musician side of my talent. That’s basically how I decided to pursue my solo career,” Denver D explained in a recent interview.
A former student at that cradle of Jamaican music and training — the Alpha Boys School, he got his early musical training at the institution where he developed a love for playing the drums. “I started out in the church and while attending Alpha Boys School I played the drums and later the trumpet. After leaving that institution, I joined Ashe where I played African drums. Drumming is really my first love’, said Denver D.
Denver D was a member of the band Zinc Fence before he began touring with some of reggae music’s biggest names. He has toured with the likes of Jimmy Cliff and Luciano, gaining much experience and knowledge of global audiences, on some of the world’s biggest festivals, as well as local stages including the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival small stage and Reggae Sumfest
He has also worked on Grammy winning albums from Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Stephen Marley.
“I never planned on being a solo artiste. But when you have a gift, you cannot run from it,” said Denver D.
On his debut album Denver D played all the instruments on most of the tracks. The album’s lyrical content not only entertains and educates, but they also inspire. Tracks Anna and She’s Complicated are quite creative and easy on the ear. Other tracks which merit some ample rotation include Past Tense and Unforgettable Smile.
“This album is all authentic live music. What we’re doing is bringing back the fun to music,” he stresses.
On Musically Disturbed, Denver D worked with new and up and coming artistes and producers. “I worked with new comers on the album. Montana from Mystic Roots, Sherita Lewis and Latoya Hall Downer are some of the talented individuals that I worked with.”
Asked about the concept of the album, he explained, “this is an album that cannot be categorised. It has a little of everything including reggae, rock, ska and world music.”
The album is being promoted under Denver D Music. “We are in talks with a company for distribution. This should be tied up by the time we do the pre-launch on December 19,” Denver D adds.