THERE is a Nyahbinghi/world beat flavour to Your Eyes, the latest song from singer Elihu Morris. The veteran artiste said he wanted to move away from the norm and show that there is more to reggae than drum and bass.

Co-produced by Morris and long-time collaborator Andrew “Andrew Bassie” Campbell, the ballad was released in November.

“From trying to present a world music and looking for an identity for the brand we came up with this sound, a sound that identifies Elihu Morris,” the Boston-based Morris told the Jamaica Observer.

Morris has been recording since the 1980s, with most of his songs — which include Any Little Man and On Your Side of Town — covering roots-reggae and lovers’ rock. With Your Eyes he was determined to broaden his sound and stay current.

“Wi haffi always step up di music. It’s a special kinda music wi presenting to di world but now wi tek it to a different level. Wi in a different time now an’ wi experiencing different things,” he noted.

Like many of his songs Your Eyes features Campbell, a journeyman bass player who has recorded and toured with artistes such as Junior Reid. Morris said they first worked together during the late 1980s and share a similar taste and approach to music.

Born Errol Courtney Morris, the artiste was raised in Craig Town, Kingston, but spent most of his life in the United States. In addition to countless singles, Elihu Morris has two albums to his name.

— Howard Campbell