ALBUM DESCRIPTION

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Back in 1995, a humble Jamaican chef arrived on the shores of Bermuda, a small island in the mid Atlantic. His name was Huntley Septimus. It was a work visa (as a culinary expert in Jamaican cuisine) that brought this Yardee from Jamdown (Jamaica) to this very different island. However, Septimus had a far greater vision than just being the head chef of a popular Jamaican Restaurant. God placed songs in his heart that could not be silenced. Cooking may have been his job, but music was his calling.

"After all, I was singing from since I know myself" said Huntley. Growing up in his home parish of St. Andrew Jamaica, his singing ability did not go unnoticed. By the age of 9 he was already performing on stage under the name "Likkle D" on massive sound systems like Kilamanjaro and Black Scorpio. Likkle D's talent flourished before Jamaican crowds while sharing the limelight with legendary artists such as Yellow Man.

In 1995 Huntley's initial vision was realized with the release of his first solo album under the name Septimus. The record was "War Against the Devil" and this explosive disc was breath of fresh air to the parched genre of gospel reggae. The buzz on the streets of Bermuda was loud over this lively Jamaican chef with an uncanny ability to imitate the styles of both secular deejays and singers alike. Combining his love for theatrics with an energetic stage show, newcomer Septimus was mashing up the microphone with the precision of top secular headliners.

Five years later, Septimus delivers another hot bowl of music from his adopted island home. He has cooked thousands of standard Jamaican dishes in the kitchen such as jerk and curried chicken, all while penning and singing original songs, further developing his unique sound as a singer extraordinaire.

ABOUT THE ALBUM:

As Septimus enters the arena for the second time, it is not as a fighter but as a father. You see before Septimus is a DJ, singer or chef, he is both a husband and father. Huntley and his lovely wife Doreen have been married for 13 years and have two sons that they are very proud of. While watching his sons grow up so fast, Septi realized that God had called him (and all fathers) to be a role model for his sons (someone that would lead by actions not mere words). Refusing to shrink back from this calling he released "Role Model", his sophomore effort that addresses this subject among others. "We need some more role models now, say we don't need no more modelers," sings Septi in the title track of this dynamic CD.

The most common word used to describe this project is "versatile". Given its many ingredients, if this album was a hot meal, it would be a steaming plate of Pelau or better yet, a hot bowl of Jumbalaya. On this disc, the multitalented chef throws a giant pot over the fire and tosses in six bowls of simmering dancehall, six flavorful cups of mild roots (or dub culture as he calls it), a pinch of scotch bonnet Soca, two tablespoons of aged traditional gospel and two stalks of fresh minced hip hop. The assorted Caribbean sounds found on this hot plate are sure to satisfy the appetite of any listener.

If you like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Elephant Man or Ward 21, you will love tracks 2-6. But this album goes far beyond dancehall. On it Septi also sings over contemporary roots reggae and on "Crucifixion" he even sounds like Daddy U-roy! But it doesn't stop there, in addition to the Soca ("Highest Praise") and the Raggamuffin Hip-Hip ("Made By God"), you will continue to marvel at his versatility when he sings traditional black Gospel. However, depending on whom you ask, both the greatest strength AND weakness of this record reside in its diversity. In some ways it sounds like a compilation album displaying this artist's diverse portfolio of styles and talents rather than a fluid project. While its lack of a singular sonic theme may detract some, those who are familiar with his first CD have grown accustom to his unique blend of styles, sounds and voices.

If you already own a copy of "War Against the Devil" or "Raggamuffin Hip Hop 1" then I don't need to tell you how talented Septi is as both a singer and flawless dancehall deejay. You should be pleased to learn that this album is packed with more hardcore dancehall than his previous effort. It is also evident that Septimus has matured as a singer and songwriter over the last few years. He recently told me that he had developing his skills through studying and emulating contemporary dancehall artists--but don't worry, he still hasn't forgotten his roots of reggae and gospel music.

Another major strong point lies in his ability to collaborate with tremendously talented artists such as Geneman, Junior C, Jamba, Shevroline Easton, Shondell Easton, Taylor Rankin and Big Snipe (whose poetic hip hop rhymes grace "Made by God"). The aforementioned track is presently blowing up in Bermuda, the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. In addition to "Made by God," the Yard-core dancehall vibes of "How Dem Fi Duh Dat" are also infesting secular airwaves in Bermuda, played alongside hit songs by artists like Usher and Sizzla.

Jamaican born Septimus may have learned to cook from his Grandmother, but is was the Lord that put these songs in his heart. Unlike most dancehall cuts these aren't the typical rebellious bantering of a wayward youth. They are life-giving words penned to set an example for today's counterculture kids. Every one of Septimus' lyrics is precisely calculated and in-line with the Word of God.

"Role Model" is like a crock-pot full of Jamaican Hotch-Potch. Notorious for its numerous ingredients (musical diversity) this dish is packed with enough flavor (from the Word of God) to satisfy any partaker. This disc is bubbling over with 16 sweet tracks of Caribbean music sure to please even the most discriminating of tastes. Order your copy today!

Review by Mark Mohr