Mallory Williams IF THERE'S anything the late pianist Luther Williams left for his son Mallory, it's a musical legacy. This manifests itself most in a song called 'Dance Reggae Cha Cha Cha' which Mallory Williams has just released.
His father wrote and recorded the original version as an instrumental in the 1950s, while playing at the Arawak Hotel, now Sandals Dunn's River in St. Ann. He called it 'Arawak Cha Cha'.
Mallory has now re-arranged the music and added lyrics and he's heading into diverse markets with the song which is the title track of his upcoming album.
"I was doing it instrumentally when the lyrics started to come to me. I just decided to go all the way," said the keyboardist who has served in all areas of Jamaica's music industry.
The single has a Spanish and a Portuguese version which Williams did with the assistance of interpreters. The Spanish version also features veteran DJ U-Roy with his unique brand of toasting.
"I am already testing the markets in Miami and New York, but I am hoping that with the Latin flavour we'll be able to get into those markets as well. We are also thinking of making a video," he said.
The beat to the song is a mixture of cha cha, reggae and ska.
"We tried to incorporate the Jamaican elements and, of course, we have that Latin flavour as well," he added. Several other artistes appear on the rhythm, among them Sugar Minott, Nana McLean and saxophonist Tony Greene.
Mallory is best known in Jamaica as a vocalist. His No. 1 hit 'Boom She Boom' was in 1986. Prior to that he went to the No. 2 spot in 1985 with 'Irie Daughter'.
At 48, his dreams for success of this effort ride with his plans to return to the stage as a singer.
"I will return to the stage," he declared.
"I miss being up there as a vocalist and I believe this is the song which will put me back there in a major way."
There are plans for him to perform in Canada on November 12 along with Dwight Pinkney and Tony Greene.
- Andrew Clunis
File
