In the Jamaican vernacular, “must bus” means something that will inevitably break out—and that’s how Rohan Reid, one of the most gifted musicians of his generation, and his new album Rifle Road are being described. Known for numerous live performances in Jamaica during which his confidence and dexterity impressed audiences, Reid brought an effortless, natural feel to bass, guitar, piccolo, and banjo. Now in Orlando, he is making his mark with original compositions such as “I Have Much To Say,” and bringing new life to covers of classics like “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love.” Reid is backed brilliantly by Phillip Martin (sax); and Sisaundra Reid (vocals) in a stunning rendition of “Let’s Stay Together.”
Dermot Hussey
Program Director, XM 101
“The Joint”
Rohan Reid
The third of seven children, born and raised in Kingston, I was encouraged to start learning bass at the age of 6. I have since learned and mastered bass, guitar and banjo. At age 10, I was on the road touring internationally with one of Jamaica's biggest record selling Gospel Groups, Grace Thrillers. After 5 wonderful years, I moved on to become a member of Insights. It was during this time I began to develop my musical arranging skills under music director, Denis Haynes. In 1985 along with Patrick Kitson and Henry Morrison we formed Change, a new driving force in Jamaica's Contemporary Gospel arena. The group fused gospel, jazz and reggae, revolutionizing a "new" sound. Change became the first and only Gospel aggregation to perform on the world's largest reggae festival, Reggae Sun Splash. Change also became the first local group to be signed to an international record label, Freedom Records (a division of Malaco Records).
My role as musical director, bassist, composer, producer, writer and vocalist helped to create many of the uplifting hit songs performed by the group. Junior Gong, Big Mountain, Dennis Brown, Dianna King, Eric Darius, Irene Cara, Jessie Dixon, Leon Patillo, Maxi Priest, Najee, Sisaundra, Wayne Wonder......these are only a few of the Grammy Award winning and Billboard charting artist that have allowed me to share my passion on stage & recordings. Blessed with two recent #1 Billboard projects to my credit I hope many will come to know the soul of this man whose fingers express what I'm truly feeling inside. RESPECT!