Horace "Sleepy" Andy

Horace Andy is undeniably one of Jamaica's most distinguished and beloved vocalists. As a roots reggae songwriter and singer, he is known for his falsetto vocals and hit songs such as "Government Land", "You Are My Angel", "Skylarking" and his cover of "Ain't No Sunshine". In 2008, Horace Andy brings us his voice again through his new artist album, On Tour.

An iconic reggae producer and vocalist, Horace Andy, (born Horace Hinds, 19 February 1951, Kingston, Jamaica), is blessed with one of the most distinctive voices in music, his emotive delivery is beloved of reggae and music fans alike. He has sung on many classic productions for reggae producers, including Phil Pratt, King Tubby and Prince Jammy. His earliest recordings were in Jamaica in the late 1960s, "Got to Be Sure," was the song that was cut as the singer's debut single and following after it was “Skylarking," which sealed his stardom, rocketing to the top of the Jamaican chart. From that point on, the hits have kept on coming.

After a move to London in the mid 80s Andy found a new generation of fans in the 1990s, thanks to his work with trip hop pioneers Massive Attack, including "Angel", a reworking of ("You Are My Angel"). He continued from here to record new music, with an album called Living in the Flood released in 1999 on Massive Attack's Melankolic record label, and Mek It Bun in 2002. Andy also featured on the world music project, 1 Giant Leap, and on the Easy Star All-Stars 2006 album, Radiodread.

Throughout his career, Andy has revisited old songs time and time again, a practice typical of Jamaican vocalists. Almost uniquely, however, the singer's later versions invariably stand up against the originals, and no matter how many times he re-cuts a song, Andy always brings something new to it. He's one of the only artists around that will never record a truly definitive version of any song, each will be another exquisite reflection. The Trojan label has been a home for some of Horace Andy’s best work and is now proud to release his latest masterpiece.

On Tour is the latest album to showcase this exceptional voice and classic production skills. A slightly more contemporary sound is evidence that Horace Andy’s finger remains on the pulse musically, yet the soul of his music is still very much rooted in the sound of his birthplace, a place where he comes back to record this album, in his own studio. Andy has not only produced the whole record but also plays almost all the instruments on it. On Tour takes us on a journey through his last year on the road, referencing the places he’s been, sights, people and emotions, yet the sound remains distinctively Horace Andy’s, warm melodic reggae. On Tour proves there’s never been a time when he wasn't releasing exceptional records.

There will be a show at the Jazz Café London to mark the new release on April 10th. Plus, watch out for details of a tour coming soon.