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By: Mike Roots - STAR Network The "Armageddon" set represents the third offering from Canadian Reggae Music Award-winning reggae gospel group, Kay Morris & The Jewels. Filled with good songwriting, outstanding musicianship and top-notch production- it's a real winner! What makes this album unique is that it achieves success in presenting quality arrangements in several musical styles, while blending them together to form a cohesive body. The album contains a variety of styles, running the gamut from rootsy gospel reggae and ska, to calypso and contemporary gospel arrangements. There is an interesting sequence of songs on "Armageddon", in that the album starts of with what could be used as an altar song. The touching ballad, "Jesus Christ Superstar", shares only the title with the 70's musical of the same name. Featuring deeply comforting lyrics and soothing, yet creative backing vocals from the Jewels, this is a song that can help bring Christians back into closer communion with the Lord and while inviting seekers to let Jesus "meet you where you are". The song is soothing and inviting- actually not a bad way to start off. Other highlights include the ska tune, "He's Coming Again", which serves to prepare all for the return of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Musically, the intro and rhythm remind me much of the "reggae got soul" style of Toots & The Maytals. It's gritty in a Memphis soul way, yet smooth and punchy. Great horn arrangements help to accentuate the confident lyrics which express the Lord is coming "to be forever with his saints to reign". See if you don't almost expect Mr. Hibbert to join in for a guest vocal! The title track is a roots-infused reggae track that features powerful spoken words by Sister Kay from the book of Revelation. Again, the arrangements are tight with a well-established drum beat, solid reggae bass and outstanding vocals. Warfare sound effects, including blasts and explosions, give strong emphasis to the message- "the battle of Armageddon is gonna be hot". The spoken passages are very compelling as are the sung parts and musical accompaniment. "Armageddon" is simply an incredibly good song that attains reggae authenticity both sonically and lyrically. Also in the mix, are some spicy calypso sounds with the powerful "Satan Time Expire". The production and arrangements are nothing short of dynamic. Steel drums even work their way into this anthem which is a call for believers to realize that God is in control and that victory can be theirs! "God Can Turn It Around" is traditional gospel that encourages the listener with a message of assurance. I love the lyrics, "you don't need a psychic to turn it around, you don't need a politician to turn it around, you don't need a scientist to turn it around, but the blood of Jesus can turn it around!". Can't help but put a smile on your face. It's hand-clapping fun and rejoicing with this one! Roots reggae returns with Morris showing her versatility with a rather sweet vocal on "The Stone". Reggae-wise, it's the real deal. Stories from the bible are recounted and woven together with the chorus, "refuse, - the stone that the builders refuse will be the headstone of the corner, the stone that builders refuse". The Jewels again sparkle with vocals reminiscent of the I-Three. It's a tune you'll want to run again fe real. "The Longer I Serve Christ" is more traditional gospel with some bluesy guitar seasoning this message of love for the Saviour. It's amazing how this album moves from one style to the other without ever skipping a beat. An upbeat calypso-soca riddim powers "Shake The Devil Off", which encourages us to lift up Jesus and bring the devil down and urges the believer to live holy. This is a serious church tune with a very catchy and danceable sound. The album closes with a reprise of "The Stone", which includes some nice dub effects. The live musicianship really shines here. It's roots massive with a message for one and all. "Armageddon" from Kay Morris & The Jewels is a must-have for fans of Caribbean gospel and reggae gospel. In listening to it, it's no wonder that this group has won "Best Female Gospel Artist" three times at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards. Highly recommended.  THE REGGAE SOURCE Reviews Kay Morris Armageddon Written by: Joshua B. Gospel Music and the idea of revival is sweeping Jamaica. Canadian-based Kay Morris and harmony singers, The Jewels come through with a Christian album featuring reggae, ska, calypso, and straight ahead gospel. Christians will love this one, and non-believers will just want to hear more.
THE TORONTO STAR Written by: Jeoff Chapman SPARKLING: Kay Morris & The Jewels deliver soulful sounds with power & sincerity Getting down to spiritual core Kay Morris - Armageddon (Jewels Records) On nine tunes with eight backup musicians (and guests), Toronto gospeller Kay Morris and her group The Jewels deliver contemporary, soulful sounds with power and sincerity. Formed almost 8 years ago, the group offers healthy doses of reggae, soca, ska, calypso, and even r'n'b, which sparks extra interest. The authoritative voice of Jamaican-born Morris, who wrote all but one song and brings to mind Mavis Staples or Vickie Winans, Never compromises the spiritual core. Strong entries are "Jesus Christ Super Star," "God Can Turn It Around" (used as part of a theme song for a U.S. TV revival show), "He's Coming Again" and two takes of mega-reggaefied "The Stone". MUSIC REVIEW: Our most recent single "Pray a Prayer for Me" is reviewed by Mike Roots of STAR Network Artist: Kay Morris & The Jewels Title: Pray A Prayer For Me (single) Kay Morris who is from Jamaica and now resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada has produced "a real gem" for roots reggae and gospel lovers alike with this single. "Pray A Prayer For Me" is an exuberant roots cut fueled by Morris' powerful vocals, which are equally sweet and fervently soulful. In the vain of Judy Mowatt, she sings with deep conviction and sincerity about the power and need of prayer. The backing vocals (the Jewels), instrumentation and production are all top-notch with "Pray A Prayer For Me" and it's outstanding dub-style version which adds further emphasis to the strong exhortation. Great musicianship is a highlight. Each track is around nearly six minutes of pure joy and encouragement for the soul. Fans of the I-Three will love the Jewels shining vocals and the rootical version reminscent of classic late 70's to early 80's reggae. The other tracks on this single include a medley of the contemporary Pete Sanchez worship classic, "We Exalt Thee" and a Morris original titled "Lord I'll Exalt Thee" and a pure instrumental version, ideal for meditation or singing. This time around, it's rendered in a heartfelt gospel style including bluesy guitar licks, piano and a heart-warming organ. With "We Exalt Thee"/"Lord I'll Exalt Thee", you get over seven minutes of music that will draw you into humbleness and worship. The arrangement somehow blends old-time gospel with the fresh new sounds of today. The instrumental is deeply touching by itself to the listener who opens up his/her heart to worship, to lifting up the name of Jesus purely and truly. One thing is clear- Kay Morris is not just a singer, but a minister of music. She effectively uses the word and joyful sounds to glorify God Almighty and lead the listener into that quiet place where the heart is still before the Everlasting Father. For some deeply blessed reggae and gospel, get yourself a copy of "Pray A Prayer For Me" today. |
