Tarrus Riley is Contagious. Catch the vibe on Aug 28

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By Egbert Gaye

It doesn’t matter how many times you hear Tarrus Riley singing She’s Royal, always, you’re transported to that special place where love and beauty live.

“It’s a special song that people hold dear in their heart, a song that will live on because it comes with a message, a message of love,” he says.

The message, the love the vibes are part of the Tarrus Riley that has swept the world since he burst on the scene in 2004 with his first album.

But it was his follow up Album in 2007, Parable, that catapulted him to the stratosphere of reggae superstar, driven by that special song, She’s Royal.

And Montrealers know it well. How we sang and danced with him at the Medley last August when, in an extended performance, he gave reggae lovers one of the best shows this city has seen.

And it will be more of the same when he returns to Montreal on Friday, August 28th   for the big show on his promotional tour for his new album Contagious, at the new TELUS Theatre, 1280 St-Denis (corner Ste-Catherine).

“It’s all about spreading vibes that is new and positive,” Tarrus tells The CONTACT from Nashville, Tennessee where he wowed a crowd of reggae fans with the new song from his new album Contagious, together with many of his old hits.

As he moves from city to city across the USA, Tarrus speaks with great excitement about Contagious (in stores August 4), two songs in particular, Living the Life of a Gun and Let Peace Reign (featuring Etana and Duane Stephenson).

“These songs are an opportunity for me to speak out against violence, because too many of our young people are using guns to deal with their issues.”

“And I think music has a role to play in ending that cycle of violence.”

When Tarrus takes to the stage at the Telus Theatre, it will be the highlight of Summer 2009 for many… conscious reggae with catching melodies delivered by a man with an entrancing voice.

And adding to the magic of the evening will be the young and dynamic Duane Stephenson who stole so many hearts when he was last here…an emerging star for sure.

Veteran saxophonist Dean Fraser will also be on stage to share with us his decades of musical wizardry.

Montreal will be well represented by he always-soulful Mello G and his band Easy B (from Barbados), King Shadrock, I-Jah, Lindsay and Nicky Tricky. And introducing Dee Luxe who’ll be making his first appearance on the Montreal stage.

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