'Fr Reece' testifies on CD By Anthea McGibbon, Religion Feature Co-ordinator HE PRAYED, and the CD became a reality. So said Lloyd Alpheus 'Fr. Reece' Reece at the launch of his first CD, Say Jesus, on Thursday at the Apostolic Worship Centre. What's unusual is that Fr. Reece is an inmate of the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, St. Catherine. He is serving a life sentence on a murder rap. From death row in 1995, he was commuted to the lesser sentence. Fr. Reece, who claims innocence of the murder, says he was falsely imprisoned after he made a deal for $90,000.00 with the real murderer, who has since taken off to the United States, and, with the money. A converted Fr. Reece is, however, living victoriously behind prison bars. He is a former singer with the Fab 5 band, and entrant in popular song contests. Last year he was placed among the top 10 finalists. Now he has produced his first gospel CD. 12 tracks are on the CD including three which he rendered at Thursday's launch. A small gathering including producer Henry Robinson, Unique Vision, Frankie Campbell of the Fab 5 band and three inmates well supported the launch on Thursday. They were held spellbound by the event. A grandfather, Fr. Reece's passion for street and fatherless children inspired him to change his stage name from "Lord Nightingale" to "Fr. Reece" in 1998, and his songs attest to this. He urges young people away from crime while offering testimonials of his experience. Throughout the CD he portrays an image of humility, and expresses gratitude that God is not like man. From the songs it seems he has spent his time in prison doing more than meditating and poetry. MC Nigel Wilkinson has described the CD as a powerful testimony. Earl Fearon, Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Services(Actg), Departmen t of Correctional Services at the launch described Fr. Reece as "a true man and a true friend, characteristic of confidence... commitment... enthusiasm...with a deep sense of purpose i.e.. he trusts God", while describing the afternoon precedings as tremendous and awesome. He was particularly proud that the launch was reflecting what the Correctional Service was about "education...rehabilitation". Desmond Young, president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians offered support, technical, professional and otherwise on behalf of the Federation. He also made note of Reece's past involvement in the earlier years of the Federation. Fr. Reece, member of the All Saints Apostolic Church, Spanish Town says future projects include an immediate church tour and a book and film about his life. "If it's good enough to read, it's good enough to see". Already he has found another home at The Apostolic Worship Centre, home of the KOS group, fellow finalist in last year's Popular Song Contest. Member of the KOS group, Mark Foga, also a composer and writer presented a special item at the launch. Fr. Reece's words to the world at large - "Say Jesus, because He is the answer to everything" ... The CD is being distributed by Stage Records to record stores islandwide. FACT FILE: SONG: Children, Children Listen To Me My Children Children obey your parents when they talk Once I was a youth like you I was heading down a one way street leading straight to hell Temptation come inna de morning, come inna de evening Positive is the way to think No touch the gun no touch the coke, no touch the crack PLEASE send your articles, letters, suggestions and personal requests directly to the Religion Feature at: religion@gleanerjm.com or write us at Religion Feature, The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kgn
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