Singer-songwriter JonQuan teams with acclaimed vocalist Elliot Martin (of John Brown’s Body) in this brand new roots reggae single “One Bright Road”! Premiering today on Top Shelf Music only, the track illuminates the struggles of humanity, yet, moreover, how to overcome them without losing hope. JonQuan, known also as frontman and keyboardist of Virginia Beach’s Buddha Council, turned to two-time GRAMMY Award winner Victor Rice for this new solo project, JonQuan & Associates, after signing to reggae’s prestigious Easy Star Records.
Although a relatively new name to reggae, JonQuan is far from novice.
An uplifting reggae journey right off the bat, this upbeat horn-heavy road unfolds for the listener’s ear like a sweet summer day. Its traditional rootsy structure boosts the track’s sociopolitical commentary, how those in power and authority “stand to watch us fall”, yet we march on… life is “one bright road” ahead! It’s all about patience and persistence. “We stand for truths and rights!” Exclaims JonQuan.
JonQuan elaborates, “This was the first riddim I made for the project. Same trio of musicians from the previous release in the rhythm section: Rhett Walton Drums, JonQuan organ/piano/percussion, Brett Tubin guitar and bass. Horns were done in Brazil, at the hire of Victor Rice, who also mixed and dubbed the tune. Elliot Martin is quite a magnanimous human being. His voice is one of a kind and unmistakable, and turned this song with a tough punchy feel into an anthem to stay the course and keep doing the right thing. His lyrical content always kept me interested in the newest JBB releases and I’m well fortunate to have him as an Associate.”
Be the first to tune into this rockin’ reggae jam before it hits all digital outlets tomorrow by checking out our exclusive stream! Make sure to add this fire roots track to your reggae playlists when it’s available and, for more information on JonQuan, visit the social links below.
Exclusive world premiere of JonQuan’s “One Bright Road” single, feat. Elliot Martin:
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