Romain Virgo‘s latest album, ‘The Gentle Man’, is an exciting, fresh listen that will grab the ears and satiate the musical palate. Featuring Masicka (“Been There Before”), Patoranking & Silly Walks Discotheque (“I Believe”), Jesse Royal (“Bridges”), and Capleton (“You Must Pay”), the album packs twelve tracks that have been curated for one’s aural delight.
The writers were Romain Virgo, Javaun Fearon, Nicholas Browne, Rayon Curate, Romeich Major, Donovan Bennett, Matthew Keaveny, Daniel Weltner, Nkunku Maximila Milanda, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, Phillip Meckseper, Oliver Schrader, Joscha Hoffman, Maurice Delauney, Dennis Emmanuel Brown, Phillip James, Andre Stefan Hall, Sean Alaric, Simon Alexander Mitchell, Terry Bennett, Kareem Spencer, Jesse Gray, Oliver Rodigan, Clifton Bailey III, Dayan Foster and Hugh Beresford Hammond.
Drums and bass were by Romeich Major, Dj Densen, .MLND, Maurice ‘Seani B’ Delauney, Kevin McPherson, Makiri Whyte, Jevaughn Latty, Andre Hall, Phillip ‘Winta’ James, Devon Bradshaw, Glen Browne, Oliver ‘Cadenza’ Rodigan, and Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis. Keyboards were played by Rayon ‘Slyda’ Ricardo Curate, Evad Campbell, .MLND, Kevin McPherson, Roan Johnson, Phillip ‘Winta’ James, and O’Niel Dacres.
Background vocals were Tori-Ann Ivy, Janeel Mills, and Carl Lee Scharsmidt. Guitarists were DJ Densen, . MLND, Jared Ansine, Ian ‘Beezy’ Coleman, Ranoy Gordon, and N’namdi Robinson. The saxophone was played by Dean Fraser. Recording engineers were Nicholas ‘Niko’ Browne, Orane Carney, Michael ‘Boxxy’ Howell, Tandra Jahgroo. Donovan ‘Doncorleon’ Bennett and Phillip Meckseper played all the instruments for the respective tracks.
Publishers were credited as STB Music Inc. dba Music by STB (ASCAP), Jack Russell Publishing Dubplate Music, Jack Russell Publishing, Ultra International Publishing Company, Islandrockpublishing Llc/Bmi, GEMA, Mad Decent, Sony ATV, Maurice Delauney, Analog MetaSongs (PRS), Sean Alaric Publishing, Giving Pro Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Clifton Bailey III and Dayan Foster (ASCAP).
The recording studios used were Lifeline Music Studio, Bay Eight Recording Studios, Tuff Gong Studio, Anchor Recording Studios, Big Yard Studios and Tad’s Recording Studio. Producers included Romeich Major, Rayon ‘Slyda’ Ricardo Curate, Nicholas ‘Niko’ Browne, Donovan ‘Doncorleon’ Bennett, DJ Densen, .MLND, Oliver Schrader, Joscha Hoffman, Maurice ‘Seani B’ Delauney, Andre Stefan Hall, Sean Alaric Ricketts, Phillip ‘Winta’ James and Dayan ‘Pete’ Foster.
Mixing engineers were Mario ‘Dunw3ll’ Dunwell, Donovan ‘Doncorleon’ Bennett, Mix Master Garzy, James ‘Bonzai’ Caruso, Maroon Riddimz, and Gregory Morris. The executive producer was Christopher Chin, with mastering by Christopher Scott (at Castek Systems Solutions). Photography and art direction/ design was by Samo ‘Kush-I’ Johnson. Additional edits/ production was by Deron James. A&R was by Neil ‘Diamond’ Edwards. Legal and business affairs/ A&R admin was John McQueeney.
Courtesy credits were also noted to Def Jam Recordings (Masicka’s appearance), Amari Musiq Ltd. (Patoranking’s appearance), Analog Metaverse and Warner Chappell Music (for Dennis Brown samples and interpolations), and Music of STB (Beres Hammond’s “Irie & Mello” interpolation).
This album is a particular favourite of mine as Romain seems to pour his gentlemanly charisma into all of the songs presented. “Red Dress” is my top pick, followed closely by “Want You Now”, and “No Curfew”. All the collaborative songs sounded complete and satisfactorily complimentary. This is just one album that you have to get familiar with; feel free to ask any member of Virgo’s solid fanbase who will be sure to agree.
To follow Romain Virgo and access his work, please see the accompanying links:
Blessings in abundance!
Jamaican Art Hub 