I don't claim to know much about Reggae beyond my love of some fine Reggae artists - Jimmy Cliff and Toots Hibbert come to mind - but through my friendship with Rusty Zinn I've developed a new found appreciation for the genre. And, I’m looking to do some work in the field so – although it’s all Blues to me – I’ve established a second company name to complement Blues For A Big Town; and that’s Reggae Got Soul!

Hopefully, I’ll have more to tell you about Reggae Got Soul! in the near future.

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JAY DOUGLAS & THE ALL-STARS

featuring RUSTY

www.jaydouglas.ca http://rustyreggae.com

The summer of 2010 should prove to be another exceptional chapter in the respective careers of Jay Douglas and Rusty. Jay Douglas, the master showman who has thrilled audiences worldwide with his wide ranging repertoire of R&B, Soul, Top 40, and Reggae is joining forces with Rusty for a number of select dates.

Jay Douglas’ outstanding career to date has been well documented:

- sharing the stage with Reggae heavyweights in Jamaica (Jimmy Cliff, Alton Ellis, and Desmond Dekker among them)

- immigrating to Canada in the 60’s and fronting R&B outfit The Cougars

- spearheading the Jamaica to Toronto Reggae showcase of Jamaican ex-pats Wayne McGhie, Jo Jo Bennett, and The Mighty Pope

- being personally selected by visiting R&B and Soul legends to back them on local appearances (including Percy Sledge, Rosco Gordon, and The Drifters)

- named by Now Magazine as “Toronto’s Best R&B Singer” for 2006

Rusty (Zinn), a soul satisfying singer, a guitar maestro of the first order, and an insightful and thought provoking songwriter, established himself early on as a top shelf Blues player – he’s got an impressive resume, touring and recording with a virtual who’s who of the genre – but found himself looking for more.

Rusty’s search, guided by to his deep rooted passion for Reggae, led him to Jamaica, where he laid down tracks with Reggae royalty: Mikey Chung – guitar, Robbie Lyn – keys, Boris Gardiner – bass, and Sly Dunbar – drums, and Noel “Scully” Simms – kette drums & percussion. The tracks form the backbone of Rusty’s new album Manifestation. For Rusty the best is yet to come.

These artists have a bond of music and a profound spiritual sense. Jay sums it up for both artists: “I eat, sleep, and drink music… We’ll be playing Blues, Soul, Rocksteady, and Reggae… I want to share my gift of music and my message of love”.