The world-renowned Harry J Recording Studio is famous for setting firm musical foundations. Having been the studio that was home to Bob Marley and the Wailers before there was Tuff Gong. The legacy continues through to the next generation. Following the passing of the legend Harry Johnson in 2013, his children Tara Johnson and Dale Johnson have picked up where their father left off and have since renovated and reopened the studio. One new project arising from this space is a live jam session dubbed ‘Set List’, organized by Tara Johnson, Keneil “Slogo DrumZ” Delisser, Shamir “Pelle Dan” Walker, Ryan Esson, along with team members Shantae Morgan and Keron “KaleX” Alexander.
“SetList is an invite-only event, geared to allow musicians to grow musically and to network with other musicians, producers and music lovers. It also creates a space where musicians can learn and grow musically while having fun and to expand their repertoire. Each musician receives the setlist for the night, which they have to study and play amongst featured musicians of the night.”
The pilot staging of ‘Set List’ was held on Thursday, October 9 at 8 pm and listeners were treated to the musical stylings of Jamaica’s finest instrumentalists. Musicians in attendance included the likes of drummers, Aldean “Yassa” Knight, Christophe Smith, Kemar “Jah Spanks” Liking and Phillip “Fancydrumz” Whynn. Keyboard players, Brinton Haughton, Evan “Yellow” Mason, Wade Johnson, and Miguel “Scooby” Anderson. Guitar, Javaughn Jones, Lamont “Monty” Savory, and Kenroy “Shortman” Mullings. Bass, Adrian “Jerks” Henry and Salim “Bruce” Browne. Percs, Robert Malcolm and Gilligan Steamaz. Horns, Oshane Love and Okiel McIntyre. Together they performed songs spanning multiple genres, jazz, reggae, pop, and disco. Including songs from the Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Bob Marley, and Burna Boy. Throughout the sets, each musician took turns improvising solos, expressing some magical variations.
The next staging of ‘Set List’ takes place on the 7th of November. This is the beginning of something great, so be sure to follow @harryjrecordingstudio to see how you can be a part of this musical movement.
