KINGSTON, Jamaica — There have been changes in Kristine Alicia’s life since her first album Get Ready was released in 2007. Her personal and professional transformation plays out on her second album, Songs From Zion.

The set, produced by Rory Gilligan of Stone Love fame, is scheduled for a summer release. Its latest single, Hand Over River, recently came out on his Black Dub Movement label.

“My first album was intentionally written for the gospel reggae market. Over the years I’ve had more life experiences and expanded my world view. I’ve also developed vocally as an artiste and taken more risk with my singing and writing style,” Alicia told the OBSERVER ONLINE.

Born Kristine Alicia McCaw in Kingston, Alicia grew up in a musical family and is a classically trained pianist.

She has lived in Florida since age 13. Recording professionally since 2005, Alicia made a name on the gospel circuit doing singles and touring as a backup singer for Papa San. Nigel Lewis, another gospel-reggae act, produced Get Ready, which contained songs like Jehovah Jireh and the title track.

For Songs From Zion, there was a change in Direction. Gilligan, who has worked with roots artistes such as Jah9, brings a different perspective to Alicia’s sound.

“After the first album I decided to focus on recording and releasing singles. Then decided to compile those singles into an album,” she said. “When it came time to release the album some things fell through and I had to start over and focus on doing a new project. That’s when I was introduced to Rory.”

A music video for Hand Over River, directed by Frederic Blake, was recently released.

Howard Campbell