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Nasio – Reggae’s Universal Artist

By
Nasio Fontaine, Reggae Artist

In 2006 while traveling through the Caribbean conducting research on various styles of music authored in the region, I landed on the Island of Martinique and quickly found my way to a surprisingly well-stocked record shop with volumes of various genres found in world music.

Within a half-hour and with no previews, I piled a mound of CDs on the checkout counter. Ready to leave with my un-sampled bag of goodies, the clerk, inspired by my liberal willingness to spend a good sum on recorded music, insisted I listen to a new artist to the world music stage.

Looking at my watch and knowing too well that I had already spent much more than I should have, had absolutely no desire to spend another dime on music. Then the music started with that recognizable opening riff typical of reggae music. Instantly, I was captivated by the production quality of the recording – crisp, clear and richly textured with the singer’s alluring and in my view, perfectly suited voice for reggae.

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Thirty seconds into the first track, I asked about the artist and learned he is Nasio Fontaine appearing on the album Universal Cry, Greensleeves Records, 2006. I traded-in one of my purchases in exchange for Fontaine and am I glad I did. This is a fantastic album and if you are a reggae fan which I have become, you’ll dance to, groove to and thoroughly enjoy Fontaine’s captivating and uplifting music. And most importantly, Nasio retains reggae’s lyrical tradition addressing issues related to love, peace, honesty, political corruption and the like.

Moreover, if I had to pick a single voice that best represents the ‘ideal’ prototype voice for reggae, it would be Fontaine ahead of the mighty and legendary Bob Marley. Among Nasio Fontaine’s other albums, including a compilation of his work titled “Rise Up”, “Universal Cry” is my favorite. Hear more of Nasio’s music on the next edition of Hg #1063.