Singer Tony Roy, a veteran of the Washington DC reggae scene, returns to Jamaica in October for the International Reggae Wine Festival.

It will be the St Thomas-born entertainer’s first Jamaican gig in three years.

“It feels good to be coming back as it’s always a pleasure to be home. I always look forward to perform in Jamaica because it is my roots,” Roy told this column.

A former drummer/vocalist with the Chosen People band, Roy (given name Fitzroy Gordon) migrated to Maryland in 1997.

He says the reggae market there, as well as in neighbouring Washington DC and Virginia, is vibrant.

“The reggae scene these days in the Metropolitan area is gaining more recognition and support. You can find more clubs dedicating certain nights as Reggae Nights which is great.”

Roy released his debut album, Waiting List in 2010. His current recordings are a cover of Gregory Isaacs’ Love Overdue, Ram Up Session and Hunt You.

The International Wine Festival, which takes place October 18 at Whitter Village in Montego Bay, also features Romain Virgo, Leroy Sibbles and Suga.

Ashaka’s got that loving feeling

For his latest project, singer Linval ‘Ashaka’ Thomas went into the archives and covered one of pop music’s classic ballads — The Righteous Brothers’ You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.

“It is an amazing song. I am from the Motown era and listened to such R&B icons as Jerry Butler, The Impressions, Marvin Gaye and others. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling was one of those songs that emerged and never took no for an answer,” said Thomas of the song which was originally done in 1965.

The Kingston-born Thomas is a former sergeant in the United States Air Force. He recorded his version of ‘Lovin’ at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston with veteran session guitarist Winston ‘Bo Pee’ Bowen.

The song, which is done for Thomas’ Ramjam Records, will be released digitally September 11. It is the follow-up to Reggae Jamaica which was released early this year.