MUSIC
COURTESY DJ SOVERN-T
"Consciousness is what was in you from your roots," says Edi Fitzroy, longtime reggae artist.
|
|
Conscious artistry
Kingston reggae veteran Edi Fitzroy traces his "conscious" vibe to a fresh faith
THE SON of a "soundsystem selecta," Edi Fitzroy is a second-generation veteran of the Jamaican reggae scene.
'Get Fresh!'
With special guest Edi Fitzroy
In concert: 9 p.m. Friday
Place: Indigo, 1121 Nuuanu Ave.
Cover: $10
Call: 521-2900
|
After making a name for himself as a prodigy of Mikey Dread in the late 1970s, Fitzroy produced hits like "Check for You Once," "Youth Man in Penitentiary" and a remake of the Eagles' "Hotel California" during the '80s. He also gained a reputation as one of Jamaica's most conscientious artists, taking it upon himself to travel the world and assist various humanitarian causes along with performing his music.
For the second time in as many years, Fitzroy returns to Honolulu with DJ JFX to perform at Indigo's weekly "Get Fresh!" party. The Star-Bulletin caught up with him by phone last week in San Jose, Calif.
Question: For those who might not know, you've been making music for almost 30 years.
Answer: Yeah, I come from 1978. My first album was "Miss Molly Colly." From then until now, it's a great history, like, with the music. It's not a fantasy. We just keep on working, like the Beatles and all these greats. Age is just a number.
Q: You've got a new album due out next month. What can you tell us about it?
A: "Hold the Vibes," yeah. My last album came out in 2000, so "Hold the Vibes" is an album which is another dimension of Edi Fitzroy. It's a long story that I don't really want to get into ... (but) it's about six years in the making. It's an album with spiritual vibes.
Q: Much of your music is described as having a "conscious" vibe. Will this new album continue along that path?
A: I want to break it down (for you) and I want you to take a key note of this. Consciousness is not something that you look for. Consciousness is what was in you from your roots. You're not going to really reach anywhere if you about the money. Edi Fitzroy over the years ... I never borrow. It's more important than money. It's what you believe.
Q: Is it true that you were supposed to be in the same room as Peter Tosh when he was murdered in 1987?
A: I was supposed to be in that room before he died. (But) I was supposed to go to a (different party) ... and I didn't want to disappoint my friend. Maybe if I went, I would be deceased. I don't know. We talk about Bob (Marley), of course, but Peter was the man.
Q: An early highlight of your career was opening for the Clash in London. Are you a big fan of rock music?
A: When we went to Britain in 1978, they were so excited, because they said they had never heard a voice with a different sound like mine. It was all about rock music, but within the rock music they infused it with reggae. So you could feel the essence, you know? I just keep my composure realistic, in that there's a conscious awareness so that people can see my work.
Q: What is it like working with DJ JFX?
A: He's a great guy. I've known him for a very long time. He believes in me, and I believe in him. He's a brother who is always there for me, searching to make sure everything is OK and that the American public knows about me.