J Walks aims local
SINGER Jay Walks, who is well-known on the New York City reggae scene, is looking to make his mark in Jamaica with his latest songs.
Since August, the Spanish Town-born artiste has recorded a number of songs for Steel Case Music, a label he co-owns with Devono Georgio, another native of the ‘Old Capital’.
The songs were recorded at producer Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton’s Boot Camp in Harbour View, St Andrew, and Pyramid Studio in New York. They include Walks’ first single Rescue Me, Don’t Give My Love Away and All I Want.
“I don’t get too deep into dancehall, I want to stay on this level. But I may cross over into some other genres in due course,” the 47-year-old Jay Walks told the Jamaica Observer.
Growing up in Spanish Town, Jay Walks (real name Henroy Vassell) was exposed to the area’s vibrant entertainment scene which had a number of clubs, sound systems and produced a number of artistes including Stitchie and Papa San.
His biggest influences are greats like Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths and his father, singer Dennis Walks, who is one of Spanish Town’s stalwart entertainers.
“My father is my first inspiration even though from I was small I love Dennis Brown and Marcia Griffiths. They are my idols, but I got everything from my father Dennis Walks, who would criticise me and tell me when I am wrong, as well as encourage and motivate me,” he said.
Walks plans to release a video for Don’t Give My Love Away soon.
— Basil Walters