INNA DE YARD: THE HEAVYWEIGHT JAMAICAN SOUL MUSIC PROJECT ‘FAMILY AFFAIR’
After a four-year break, the beloved Inna De Yard family returns with “Family Affair,” a heart-warming collection of unplugged reggae classics.
New members Johnny Osbourne and Keith & Tex join the family led by Winston McAnuff, Cedric Myton (The Congos) & Kiddus I in promoting a message of peace and harmony worldwide. The informal jam sessions that originated reggae in the ‘yards’ of Kingston are still being led and inspired by this core group.
For those unfamiliar with Inna De Yard, it embodies the vibrant and soulful Jamaican music scene. The project aims to distil the essence of reggae music by focusing on its core elements. This is achieved through a band of talented Jamaican musicians and singers, both legendary and contemporary. Their self-titled album, released in 2019, featuring the iconic Ken Boothe, Horace Andy, and Judy Mowatt, was a massive success. It was accompanied by a documentary directed by Peter Webber, which showcased the Soul of Jamaica in over 30 countries through premieres and screenings, garnering rave reviews.
“To my ears, the music as a whole is pure enchantment.” UK Vibe 5/5
DJ Support: Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), David Rodigan (BBC 1 XTRA), Sarah Ward (Jazz FM), DJ Sarah C (Vibes FM), Kid Hops (KEXP, US), Planet Fruit (Radio Eins, DE), Johannes Paetzold (MDR Kultur, DE)
Sadly, since 2019, the Inna De Yard family have suffered some losses, including the passing of guitarist Bo Pee Bowen, trombonist Nambo Robinson, Wesley Tinglin and Neville Ingram of the Viceroys. Their presence and lives will never be forgotten.
The renowned Johnny Osbourne, known for his Studio One productions from the 1970s, has teamed up with Jamaican legend Winston McAnuff on the new reggae-soul single Baltimore, released as part of the Family Affair album. Originally written by Randy Newman, the song became a hit for the Tamlins after they adapted Nina Simone’s soulful jazz rendition. It has been given a fresh take with the implicit reference to Kingston, Jamaica, in the track.
The album also features the rocksteady duo Keith & Tex, who debut with two tracks as a duo and a solo by Keith Rowe on Groovy Situation. The standout and single, Down the Street, was originally recorded by the duo in 1968, and it’s one of their lesser-known gems that was first recorded for Jamaican singer Derrick Harriott.
FAMILY AFFAIR IS ANCHORED BY THE PULSATING RHYTHMS OF TRADITIONAL NYABINGHI DRUMMING AND FEATURES SOME OF JAMAICA’S TOP SESSION MUSICIANS
Inna De Yard philosophy of recording in a natural setting, unencumbered by electronic instruments and contemporary studio technology is evident in the location of the Family Affair album, which was recorded in a hotel called Reggae Legends Villa, overlooking the Blue Mountains outside Kingston, Jamaica. The album includes 13 songs that were recorded in just four days, with Cedric Myton, Kiddus I, and Winston McAnuff joined by the younger generation represented by Steve Newland of Rootz Underground, melodious chanter Derajah, and Winston McAnuff’s son Kush.
The pulsating rhythms of traditional nyabinghi drumming anchor Family Affair. It features some of Jamaica’s top session musicians, including guitarist Dwight Pinkney of the Roots Radics, veteran keyboardist Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul, bassist Delroy ‘Wormbass’ Nevin, flautist Donaldson Bernard, Ziggy Marley’s trombonist Everald Gayle, and guest saxophonist Dean Fraser, all expertly arranged by French saxophonist Guillaume ‘Stepper’ Briard, a longstanding collaborator of Sly and Robbie.
The album showcases the skills of the project’s longstanding vocalists and its new editions, with the musicians displaying uncommon virtuosity with their instruments and the track listing allowing the group to explore some vintage reggae in their signature style. Cedric Myton adapts one of the best-known works of his comrade, Prince Lincoln of the Royal Rasses, on opener Humanity. At the same time, Johnny Osbourne offers a beautiful remake of his Studio One signature tune, Truth And Rights, and McAnuff revisits his meditative love song, Sun Is Setting In The Sea.
Overall, Family Affair reveals Inna De Yard to be as distinctive, innovative, and relevant as ever, with the legacy and responsibility for re-enacting the ritual of outdoor roots-reggae jam sessions continuing for years to come.
CREDITS
- Lead and rhythm Guitar : Dwight Pinkney
- Piano : Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul
- Bass : Delroy ‘Worm’ Neville
- Saxophone : Guillaume ‘Stepper’ Briard
- Trombone : Everald Gayle
- Flute : Bernard ‘Sheldon’ Donaldson
- Bass Drum : Kush McAnuff
- Lead Percussion : Alphonso Craig
- Percussion : Phillipp Supersad, Deraja Mamby, Kiddus I
- Backing Vocals : Cedric ‘Congo’ Myton, Deraja Mamby, Keith & Tex, Worm, Stepper
- Additional trumpet and trombone : Didier Bolay
ABOUT INNA DE YARD
Inna de Yard is a collective that resurrects the essence of Jamaica’s musical culture through a simple, acoustic approach. The French label Makasound initiated eight Inna de Yard records recorded in the open air in Kingston in the 2000s. In 2016, the Philharmonie de Paris dedicated an exhibition to Jamaica and approached Chapter Two and Inna de Yard.
The adventure continued with the album “The Soul of Jamaica” and a sold-out tour. Inna de Yard recorded a new album while Peter Webber directed the film “Inna de Yard”. The collective includes iconic musicians from different generations, and the latest album was recorded on the hilltops of Kingston.
MORE FROM INNA DE YARD
LINK WITH INNA DE YARD
ON THE REGGAE TASTEMAKER PLAYLIST NOW…
