The Tribune

A SPECIAL promotion headed by Baha Men’s Sony label will reward the first 5,000 Walmart customers who purchase the band’s new album “Ride With Me” with an autographed copy by group members.

The album release through Walmart is set for September 26. Two pre-released singles from the album have done well, according to the band’s promoters.

Night and Day, the first song from the album, is featured on the FIFA World Cup album as a carnival mix, and shares a spot with songs from the likes of international recording artists Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin and The Isley Brothers.

The latest single release, Off the Leash, is a hot dance tune that honours the 15 years since the release of Baha Men’s Grammy Award-winning song, Who Let the Dogs Out. The anniversary tune mixes Junkanoo with a steel pan and house beat groove.

Bass guitarist Isiah Taylor has been leading Baha Men for decades, through its many stages and changes, and has kept the band current and relevant to listeners of all ages. He says “God alone” gave him the talent and the calling to take the people of his country to the international stage through the thing he loves best – music. Ride With Me was produced by Black Shadow Records, a South Florida production house which turned out several hits for artists, including Shaggy, Rupee and Kevin Little.

Black Shadow’s Troyton Rami took pride in working with Baha Men on the project, as his mother is a Bahamian and his father is a Jamaican. Fellow producer and one of Baha Men’s lead vocalists, Rik Carey, said it was a great experience working with Mr Rami, who he said also learned a lot because of Baha Men’s experience.

In an industry which is stifled by lack of governmental support and a small marketplace, Mr Carey says aspiring producers in The Bahamas should never give up the craft. He recalled starting out the same way as many young men in school are now – playing around with free software and rap beats, getting his feet wet. For him, those who saw his talent started showing support, which allowed him to continue to hone his craft. Working on jingles and advertisements, as well as working with aspiring artists helped him to gain the experience he needed. Today, he is multi-talented – not only enjoying the world of producing, but crossing over to an artist doing stage performances and recordings.

Neil Symonette and Colyn McDonald were responsible for the tracking on Baha Men’s latest album. Dyson Knight and Leroy Butler shared lead vocals with Mr Carey. Ivan Prosper played drums, Pat Carey guitar and Jawara Adams played trumpet.

Jeffrey Chea, a long-standing band member, played keys for Ride With Me. For him, one of the greatest highlights of being in Baha Men is winning the Grammy award. He chuckled as he recalled that two band members were not there to run up on stage and share in the glory when Baha Men’s name was called. They were actually at McDonald’s on a lunch break.

Anthony “Monks” Flowers joined the group many years ago. As a percussionist, Monks says his instruments are his “toys”, and that allows him to always take joy in performing.

Baha Men have several shows lined up following the Walmart release, and the public can expect more promotions for the new album in the near future.