MUSIC producer Tony ‘CD’ Kelly recently scored with his production of the track For Your Eyes Only which was recorded by Shaggy featuring Alaine. It has been a while since the noted producer scored a chart-topping single.

Known for his producing, mixing and writing skills, Kelly has brought a host of Jamaican artistes to the attention of the American market. His sound has been instrumental in creating hit songs for a long list of acts including Patra, Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Sasha, Super Cat, TOK, Shaggy, and Beenie Man

Throughout the 1990’s leading into the new decade, Kelly’s stocks rose with hit dancehall projects including the Underwater, Kiki, Bookshelf, Buy Out and Katana rhythms. Kelly produced and co-wrote Sean Paul’s crossover hit Deport Dem and Like Glue; TOK’s Money To Burn and Mr Easy’s She Drives Me Crazy.

He has had the most crossover hits of any dancehall/reggae producer. His production skills are evident on the Grammy nominated Def Jamaica compilation album for which he is listed as the co-executive producer.

Kelly began to hone his musical skills in the 1980’s as an assistant engineer at the Tuff Gong Studios where he learned the fundamentals of production from studio wizards Scientist and Errol Brown. He would later work as an engineer on groundbreaking records for Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, West African reggae artiste Alpha Blondy, lovers rock crooner Maxi Priest and a large selection of artistes on Donovan Germain’s Penthouse label including Buju Banton.

These days, Kelly resides in the USA. In 2009, he produced the track He Can Handle It which appears on the Bebe and Cece Winans album Still. The gospel reggae track features Kelly putting in a cameo ‘deejay’ spot. The album Still was recently nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary R&B Gospel album category.

This writer caught up with Kelly recently and he spoke about his career highlights and his current musical projects.

Kevin Jackson: How did you get involved in working on the BeBe and CeCe Winans album Still?

Tony Kelly: Well, it was my manager, Janet Davidson, who brought the project to my attention. It immediately caught my interest, as I was already in a gospel mode, working with a group of sisters called Shaze. Bebe wanted us to meet first. To make sure the vibe and the chemistry would be fitting and genuine for their comfort. Once we met and he heard what I was working on, it was a done deal.

KJ: When it was announced that the album was nominated for a Grammy award recently, how did you react to the news?

TK: I didn’t know it got nominated until a few days ago and I’ve had a few nominations in my career, so while it felt good for the nomination, only winning will get a reaction.

KJ: Was this your first time working with a gospel act and has this opened up your work to another audience?

TK: No, I’ve been working with Shaze for about a year before this Bebe and Cece opportunity came along. Since then, I’ve worked with Jamaican gospel artiste Omari, and I’m in the process of putting together a Gospel rhythm project called Godly riddim which will include Shaze, Omari, Ryan ‘Prodigy’ Mark, Crissy D, Chevelle Franklyn and Miami-based Paul Morris.

KJ: What are some of the current projects that you are working on or that you have recently completed?

TK: I just recently released the Shaggy and Alaine joint For Your Eyes Only. I’m working on putting together a few artistes that I’m going to develop with a fresh vibe, look and force. Wayne Anthony, Delly Ranx, Alaine, Malica and Cezar are the starting point right now. Ultimately, I want them to realise their full potential in this music business, not just the music side of the business. With the help of Rodney Hill, more doors will be opening, on a global level. I’m working on a few rhythm projects to bless 2011 with including the Winners Car wash and Happy Life riddims. I’m also working with a former American Idol contestant named Dragon Fly who is garnering some interest in the pop/dance scene. I’m always doing projects with Shaggy.

KJ: What are your thoughts on the music being released today in Jamaica?

TK: Right now I’m focusing on the artistes I’m developing. And for 2011, we’re bringing back the party vibes, happy music, and taking it to a next level, again. By the way, any artiste or producer can reach out to me, if they need help or advice. Or link Jeremy Harding, as he has a library of knowledge when it comes to the music business.

KJ: Take us back in time and tell us how it all began for you? How did you get into production?

TK: It started way back from my engineering days at Tuff Gong and it was a perfect way out of the ghetto. The training I got from Scientist and Errol Brown and working with the likes of Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, I-Three, Sly & Robbie, Steelie & Clevie, Robbie Lyn, Dean Frazier, Freddie McGregor and Yellow Man, all gave me an upfront seat to the greatest school anyone could’ve gone to. Learning timing, keys, chords, writing styles, harmonies, vocals, live music, etc was just a great launching pad to go out and do it on my own. So then Patrick Roberts and Little Kirk came along. We got the idea to do this production thing on our own. Patrick had Shocking Vibes already and was doing some work with Beenie Man and we just took it to a next level when Little Lenny came along.

KJ: How would you change the face of the music at present?

TK: Awareness, making the history of reggae music locally be known, education in all aspects, make aware the concept of quality over quantity.