The return of Bull Pus
Norman “Bull Puss” Bryan plays a supporting role that has always been critical to the Jamaican music industry. He is the man who shops songs to dances and radio stations, ensuring they become massive hits.
Earning his street cred working with acts like Junior Reid and producers such as Lloyd “King Jammy’s” James, Bryan released his share of productions before taking a break. He recently made a comeback with the In My Brain rhythm which has songs by Chronixx and Richie Spice, Capleton and George Nooks.
“I’m really a vinyl person. One time yuh coulda use yuh last money an’ put out vinyl an’ mek it back but things change now, especially the marketing process,” he said.
Unity We Need by Chronixx and Richie Spice is the lead song from In My Brain. Capleton contributes Draw Yuh Bow while Nooks does Only Woman.
Capleton and Nooks were on the Smooth Wind rhythm, Bryan’s previous production which was also released by his Kickin Productions. That came out in 2001 which makes it almost 20 years since he directed a recording session.
During that period, Bryan helped promote songs and albums by the Marley brothers, Beres Hammond and Morgan Heritage, among others. This year was right, he said, for a return to production.
“Is a part a mi…is something wha’ mi love.”
Bryan came into the music business during the 1980s, the days when tireless flatfoot hustling could make a song explode in the dancehall or on radio. He helped to do so for the Sleng Teng beat in 1984, Junior Reid’s 1989 anthem, One Blood, and a number of King Jammy’s productions, including Big Belly Man by Admiral Bailey.
His reputation as a dancehall pitchman was also effective for producer/impresarios Louise Frazier-Bennett and Junie Starr.
In My Brain is driven by the live sound Bryan grew to appreciate early in his career. It is a feel that suits hardcore roots artistes like Chronixx, Richie Spice and Capleton.
“Wi had a wish list ’cause is really a singer’s rhythm. Everybody come in an’ wi satisfy wid how things turn out ’cause people out there still want to hear the authentic reggae,” he said.
