CNY Record Label, Fe Fe Entertainment, releases music with international musician Shakhouri. James Austin, local promoter, shared this album with me and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s got a real smooth and upbeat sound. Shakhouri has a unique sax sound that soothes the soul.
MT: Hi, Congrats on your release. I wish you the best of luck on all of your submissions. When I first scanned through the tracks I told James Austin it was like a “soundtrack to the best parts of your day.”
S: Greetings and thank you for the opportunity to share my story with your audience.
MT: Tell me a little about your roots.
S: I am a saxophonist who was born in Bradenton Florida USA, but was raised in the tiny island of Barbados in the Caribbean. I began playing at the age of 11 and since then have won multiple awards for excellence in music. September of this year, I released my first EP titled ‘Reggae Vibes’ with FE FE Entertainment.
MT: This was recorded in Barbados but mixed and mastered locally here in Syracuse. How did this process go?
S: The process was actually really simple. We would create and brain storm a lot of ideas and then piece everything together. After we recorded each song, we would name every individual instrument and email the music to Sepp Herbert who would put everything together at FE FE Studios. That’s where he would add the final deliciousness to the songs, mix the records, and send them off to be mastered.
MT: Is there a theme for this album?
S: The theme for the album is reggae vibes with a saxophone twist. We just a fused my creativity with the reggae production of Richard Bourne (Air Bourne Studios, Barbados) and let the VIBES begin.
MT: Do you have a tour or live shows planned?
S: Unfortunately, the covid-19 pandemic did not permit us to book any shows on the Island. We will be doing a live recording/performance of all the records and broadcasting them as part of a virtual concert.
MT: I gave each song another play and these are my thoughts. Airy Hill Bottom– a little rhythm and a lot of sexy, dirty sax. It’s a strong opener.
S: Yes I agree, pure vibes energy and saxophone action!!! I find music now a days has no soul and that’s what Airy Hill Bottom was all about.
MT: The Summing – This is my initial favorite. It hits with that familiar reggae beat and adds in some dreamy vocals.
S: It is one of my favorites as well!!! It’s a simple vibey one that you could easily light a cigar and connect with the universe kicked back on the sofa!
MT: Timeless– It’s got some real vibey sax. What is the message within the spoken word here?
S: The words and the theme of the song are referring to the natural beauty of women and how it is timeless/never truly fades.
MT: Do I hear a different type of percussion in this one?
S: Yes, yes you do! Good catch!
MT: Shakhouri Vibes– This is a transcending and upbeat song. The title suggests it’s a good representation of your music…
S: The title says it all. A special one that helps to tie the whole project together.
MT: Tribute to Three Legends– The sax sings. The obvious question is which three legends?
S: The three legends are Arturo Tappin, Sepp, and Adrian Boo Husbands. These individuals have really inspired and encouraged me to be the best saxophonist the I can be.
MT: Snake Charmer– This one definitely gets you moving. I feel like it’s a dance song. Is that a snake charming flute?
S: Yes it does… it’s actually multiple genres fused together. We like to push the limits of our creativity sometimes. We had fun with this one.
MT: Hibiscus – This is a good one to start your day. It’s clean and crisp.
S: Yup, it’s amazingly smooth and easy to the listeners’ ears. Just a total vibe! It was the second single off of the EP and one of the producer’s favorites. Thank you for this opportunity. Blessings, Shakhouri
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