Beres Hammond

The playful smile, the unassuming demeanor, the beard, the cap and the spectacles might lull you into forgetting that you're in the presence of an awesome musical talent, Jamaica's greatest practicing singer/songwriter. Beres Hammond (born on 28 August 1955, Annotto Bay at Saint Mary, Jamaica) is a reggae singer from Jamaica who is known in particular for his romantic lovers rock. Beres remains cool, though he knows that he's one of a handful of people responsible for maintaining a mighty legacy of soulful reggae music. His career set in motion in 1970s although he reached his greatest success in the 1990s.Hammond grew up listening to his father's collection of American soul and jazz music; including Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. He was further influenced by the native music of Ska and Rocksteady, in particular Alton Ellis. For Beres, music truly is life. It's not unusual for him like strolling downstairs fresh from his morning shower and lay down a rough vocal idea to be worked out later.

Hammond began participating in local talent contests from 1972 to 1973, which led to his first recording, of Ellis' "Wanderer". In 1975 he joined the band, Zap Pow, as lead singer, leading to the hit 1978 single, "The System" under the Aquarius Records label. However, he simultaneously sought a solo career, releasing his debut album, Soul Reggae, in 1976. He left Zap Pow in 1979 to pursue his solo career, and recorded two more albums in 1980 and 1981. Hammond formed his own record label, Harmony Records, in 1985 having two Jamaican chart-toppers that were influenced by the emerging dancehall style. He scored another hit in 1986 with "Settling Down" on his eponymous release. He left his fame in Jamaica for New York in 1987.

He signed with Penthouse Records in 1990 and returned to Jamaica permanently to record the dancehall smash "Tempted to Touch". This is perhaps his best known song in the United States and United Kingdom which was later remade in 2004. Now garnering interest from major studios such as Electra Records, Hammond recorded five more albums in the 1990s as well as several compilations, establishing himself as one of the top lovers' rock artists. His first album of the new millennium was 2001's Music Is Life, which featured an appearance by Wyclef Jean. He returned to Jamaica to perform at the Opening Ceremony for the Cricket World Cup 2007.Over the course of a 30 year career, Beres has poured his smoky-sweet voice ? an instrument of subtlety and power reminiscent of an Otis.

No computer can rock quite as steady as these veteran musicians. "I personally don't believe in a whole heap of technology business," says Beres. "It's all about what you have to offer. As long as your vibes are there, that's what the people feel." The new album ranges widely over styles and themes: from the rock-solid reggae with a plea for peace and unity amongst his brethren ? to the quiet-storm consciousness of "African People" and the tasty Spanish accents of "Honey, Wine and Love Songs". Guest appearances on the new album range from late '80s dancehall stalwart Flourgon to internationally acclaimed multi platinum rap artist Wyclef Jean. "Clef is a good youth," say Beres. The two legends joined forces at new York's Hit Factory last summer to record the sizzling Latin-flavored jam "Dance 4 Me," a song that combines Beres' sultry vocals with Clef's raps and flamenco guitar.