Glen Washington’s Just Giving Thanks
Reggae star Glen Washington has great hopes for his latest album, Just Giving Thanks, which was released on May 30th to rave reviews from music critics all over the globe.
The Atlanta-based singer is now aggressively promoting the 14-song project, which is distributed by Tad’s International Record.
“I’m satisfied with the time it took to put it together, just the way we went about it. I also like how Tad’s is presenting it,” said Washington.
He noted that most of its tracks, including Chant Them Down and Oh, To Be Like Him, have a spiritual vibe.
Washington caters to his lovers’ rock base with standout ballads such as Sweet Loving and Affection, Loving You Forever, and Love Will Never Run Away.
The musicians on the project read like a virtual who’s who of the best musicians in Jamaica with names like bass players Flabba Holt of the Roots Radics Band and Donald “Danny Bassie” Dennis of The Firehouse Crew, keyboardist Franklyn “Bubbla” Waul, drummer Kirk Bennett, and saxophonist Dean Fraser.
Just Giving Thanks is being released one year after Feeling Irie, Washington’s previous album which featured songs recorded to beats from Treasure Isle, the legendary Jamaican label.
The artiste performed to a sold-out audience at the Fox & Firkin venue in Lewisham on June 1. He wowed the audience with a repertoire of hits like Strangers in the Night and My Love Belongs to You.
The audience made a special request for Washington to sing one of his old hits, the fiery Rockers Anno Crackers, which he first recorded when he was only 17 years old.
“It was crazy, every song mi fling down, bear toppa top we gwaan with,” a pleased Glen Washington said.
Washington will next perform on a show called ‘Sunsplash’ in Roatan, the Bay Islands, between June 13 to 15. He will be in Jamaica for ‘Steady Rock’ at Plantation Cove on June 21.
His journey in music began in the early 1970s as the lead singer of Names and Faces, and later with 35 Incorporated, where he learned to play drums under Joseph Hill. Washington’s versatility shone through as he took on the role of singing drummer after Hill’s departure. Notably, he also served as the main drummer for Stevie Wonder.
Washington’s career took a significant turn in 1978, but it was his hit Kindness for Weakness in 1998 that solidified his place in the reggae world. He further established himself as a force to be reckoned with on songs like Strangers in the Night and Consider Me that showcase vocals.
Over the years he has released over 40 singles and 11 albums, two of which have been nominated for Grammys.