The rebirth of a classic
ONE of the fastest-moving songs making in-roads on various radio stations across the United States is the classic Perfidia recently recorded by upcoming singer Alibra.
Produced and arranged by Clifton Lawrence of 5 Stars Recording in the Bronx, New York, the critics are calling it an innovation in reggae/dancehall music. The track, which was recently serviced to radio, has immediately garnered high praises from some of the industry’s long-standing practitioners.
When contacted by the Observer, respected New York radio presenter at WVIP 93.5fm and former head of Midem’s Caribbean and USA Black Music division, Francine Chin stated that “this rendition of Perfidia is a breath of fresh air and an innovation where it is most needed… this young lady and her music can only get better as she perfects her style and continue to experiment and cross-fertilise”.
The veteran broadcaster and CEO of KuttingEdge: Communications, further stated “I have no doubt Alibra would be just as comfortable with dancehall in its purest form… this is a piece for the international market… Dancehall Jazz! I love it!”
Broadcast journalist of The Foundation Radio Network, Clinton Lindsay noted: “I call it Dancehall meets Jazz… who could imagine a song that is covered by over 150 artistes in several languages since 1939, could, in the 21st Century, be given new life that is creating such buzz?… I strongly believe that the success of this song can create another genre for Jamaican music… dancehall jazz has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
The late Phylli s Dillon, gave Perfidia its first Jamaican treatment in 1967, when she recorded it for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label. Perfidia — Spanish for perfidy as in faithless, treacherous or false –was written by Mexican composer and arranger – Alberto Dominquez in 1939, and is about love and betrayal. The English lyrics were written by Milton Leeds.
The Spanish Town, St Catherine-born Alibra Bramwell, burst onto the scene in 2008 with her break through hit Clearly which peaked at # 11 on The South Florida Top 25 Chart. She is currently in New York finishing songs for her debut album.
