AFTER 50 years in the industry, veteran producer/musician Vincent Morgan has released his debut album called Vin Morgan Meet Lone Ark: Give Thanks.

Released on June 6, the 12-track set comprises six vocals and six instrumentals. It is produced by Roberto Sanchez and Hervie Brizec of France’s Iroko Records. Singer Boris Gardener is credited as arranger.

Morgan explained why his debut project took him half-a-century to materialise.

“For years I was focused on teaching people how to sing properly and how to play music. I am not only a producer, but a musician and singer. I also used to played in a band called the Soul Defenders. I had released other singles, but my focus was mainly on being a musician,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

He said the album was done on vinyl and digital platforms.

“We decided to release it using both platforms because vinyl records are back at the top and are in high demand in the European reggae market. We also know the importance of online promotions, so a digital version was very much needed,” Morgan continued.

‘Give Thanks’ was released in France and is currently being distributed in England and Japan by Burning Bush Records.

Morgan the set is suitable for any listener.

“There are no barriers on this project. It is not centred around social issues alone, but speaks about life and love. Anyone from any religion can listen as the message in each song speaks a universal language. This album is an example for the younger set of singers that they have to understand their roles as entertainers and be careful of what they put on record. Record cannot wipe off, so whatever you record now cannot be erased 20 years later,” he said.

Side A of the vinyl contains songs like Thanks a Lot, This Train, and Gimmie the Vibes. Side B boasts Bingiman, Can’t Complain and Won’t Surrender.

Morgan hails from Linstead in Catherine. A founding member of hometown band Soul Defenders, he played keyboards and drums. It also comprised guitarist Ronald “Privy” Campbell and bassist Festus Walker. Freddie McKay and Nana McLean were the band’s vocalists.

The band was formed in 1968 and worked as backing band for producer Clement Dodd at his Brentford Road-based Studio One recording facility.

“We have recorded with Culture, Dennis Brown, Horace Andy, Burning Spear, Wailing Souls, Alton Ellis, The Heptones. Our first session at Studio One saw us recording seven singles, four of which became instant hits,” Morgan told the Jamaica Observer.

Among those hit songs are Picture on the Wall by Freddie McKay (on which Hill played percussion) and Selection Train by the Selective Few. Soul Defenders also served as backing band for Culture from 1985 when he toured Europe and North America.

The band disbanded in 1985, but reunited six years later for Studio One’s 35th anniversary celebration.