Ray Isaacs Stranger In Town Tribute – Press Release

Press Release: Ray Isaacs releases Stranger In Town in tribute to his legendary uncle, on what would have been his 70th birthday.

Ray Isaacs, one the of most exciting talents currently making waves out of Jamaica, is back with a fresh track. But it’s not new; more ‘newly imagined’. As he’s recorded a tribute to his late, great uncle Gregory.

Stranger in Town, released via Road Blokk Records, sees Ray channel the artistic spirit of Gregory while making the song his own. The track originally featured on his uncle’s 1982 worldwide smash-hit album Night Nurse, which spawned the now-mythological song of the same name. And while staying respectful to Gregory’s version, Ray and Road Block have put their own unique stamp on it:

The track is musically faithful to the original, keeping all the rudimental musical elements in place. But Ray and Road Blokk have taken the instrumentation and arrangement up and to the side of Gregory’s version, bringing in some more modern elements and 21st century production techniques to make it sound fresh, yet nostalgic. The signature bass riff is still there; the keys tinker in and out and the drums roll and riff. But listen closely and you’ll hear some new, delicate intricacies which bring additional depth to the cut.

Stranger in Town also gives a full showcase of Ray’s delicious voice. He growls, purrs and whines, filling the track with glorious flexes of intonation. But he also delivers an interpretation worthy of his uncle: taking his delicate original tone and making it slightly more forthright, which accompanies the more modern arrangement perfectly. It’s still laid-back and blissed-out, though – and shows the quality of Ray’s voice in droves.

Stranger in Town is a perfect, summery Lover’s Rock track. It’s also the perfect tribute to Gregory, with Ray paying a well-constructed homage to the late, great ‘Cool Ruler’. This young artist is quickly proving he will continue his uncle’s legacy. And with this latest offering, will also soon cement his place as a musical force to be reckoned with.  Read Pauzeradio’s review of Stranger In Town here.

Ray Isaacs Stranger In Town Press Release Written By Mr Topple / Pauzeradio.com PR Services (14th July 2020).