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On December 23rd Foundation Reggae Artist Linval Thompson to Release First Album

On *December 23rd*, foundation reggae artist and producer *Linval Thompson* unveils his long awaited roots album, *Ghetto Living*, through *I-Tunes* on his *Thompson Sound Jamaica* label in cooperation with *Zojak World Wide*, the leader in digital distribution of reggae music. * Ghetto Living* will be available worldwide through all other online vendors starting January 15th. *Ghetto Living* fuses Linval's bittersweet sufferah's sound with powerful social commentary voiced over live rhythm production from *Handcart Band* as well as modern roots riddims courtesy of Phillip *'Fattis' Burrell *of *Xterminator Productions*, and *Dubmatix*.

While Linval Thompson's pioneering career as a reggae singer is well-known ("*I Love Marijuana", "Train To Zion"*), the singer's equally storied career as a producer in the roots reggae and dancehall arena may not be. Indeed, the career of Linval Thompson the 'producer' also dates back to the mid-70s and includes such standards as *Freddie McGregor's* international reggae anthem, "*Big Ship*". In the process, both as vocalist and producer, Linval Thompson has laid the groundwork for the emergence of modern dancehall riddims and reggae beats.

On *Ghetto Living*, Linval marks a return to live rhythm production, compliments of Handcart Band and recorded live at *Harry J Studio* in Kingston, Jamaica. The album also features a strong combination, called "*Bad Boy"*, with the cultural deejay *Warrior King*. Ghetto Living is very much in the classic Linval Thompson vein - a rootsy mix of real life subject matter and constructive messages. Indeed, Thompson's commitment to the roots of reggae music is unbreakable. As he says,

"*The music from the 70s and 80s is relevant today because it's positive, is a positive vibes. On Ghetto Living everything is reality. No gimmicks*."

*For more information*:

*Linval Thompson Myspace*

*Zojak World Wide *

*About Linval Thompson*:

In addition to his reputation as a vocalist on over a dozen albums, Thompson was the producer of over 40 albums and hundreds of singles by artists including Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Barrington Levy, Eek-A-Mouse, Gregory Isaacs, The Wailing Souls, Triston Palma, Cornel Campbell, Johnny Osbourne, The Viceroys, and Sugar Minott. Journalist Steve Milne of Full Watts described Linval Thompson as "*an artist lauded by knowledgeable reggae-philes and practically unknown by the rest* . . ."

Thompson recorded and produced Train To Zion with deejay U Brown in 1976. Then came Jah Jah Guiding Star in 1977. The latter was produced with Henry 'Junjo' Lawes. The duo also shared credit on the Thompson Sounds debut release, I Love Marijuana, which became the title track of the 1978 album released by Trojan Records. The success of I Love Marijuana put Thompson in a position to produce sessions, which he did with ferocity from 1979 to 1983. Freddie McGregor's massive 1982 hit Big Ship (Sailing On The Ocean) was Thompson's most successful record as a producer. Other lasting Thompson-produced albums include the Viceroys' Brethren and Sistren (CSA) and We Must Unite (Trojan); The Meditations' No More Friend (Greensleeves), and Barrington Levy's Poor Man Style (Trojan). Linval Thompson also put his touch on great albums by Tristan Palma (Joker Lover), Eek-A- Mouse (Skidip & Mouse and Man), Johnny Osbourne (Nightfall), and the Wailing Souls (Wailing).

Linval Thompson also released a number of excellent dub (instrumental) albums including Negrea Love Dub (Trojan), Green Bay Dub (Burning Sounds), and Outlaw Dub (Trojan) ñ all featuring the Revolutionaries with Sly & Robbie. Thompson later released dub classics Scientist Encounters Pac Man (Greensleeves), Scientist Meets the Space Invaders (Greensleeves), and Scientist and Jammy Strike Back (Trojan), all featuring the Roots Radics band.

Linval's welcome return to the eyes and ears of the public has been highlighted by sound-system shows with King Stur Gav in Jamaica and Italy, and a showstopper at the Long Beach Old School Jam in California in June of 2000, where he was backed by Soul Syndicate drummer Santa Davis and his group. Thompson made another big splash with his performance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Angel's Camp, California in June 2001, where many regarded his 50 minute performance as the best of the festival.

Upon reflection, Linval Thompson has no real regrets about the course his musical career has taken, as he explained to Claude Mills of the Gleaner: "*I just give thanks for music, because if it wasn't for it, I don't know how I'd live. Now, I don't have to sing for my supper, I do it now because I choose to, and because I love it*."