Stuart Wilson's latest single, "Jezebel," once again shows that he's making music that sounds both fresh and classic. With roots in the Cayman Islands and family from Jamaica, music has always been at the forefront of Wilson's life. Still, with this release, he showcases his vision for what he dubs Reggae Renaissance Music-an innovative melding of times past and present.
"Jezebel" kicks off with an undeniable forward thrust. The track rides a smooth reggae groove but doesn't stay in any one lane. It brings in smoky blues textures, the shoestring of jazz. It's a mish-mash that blends perfectly and illustrates well Wilson's inherent skill with connecting sounds without losing the soul of its music. The brass arrangement, by turns blaring and thoughtful, mirrors the tug of emotion in the lyrics but also keeps the groove snappy and danceable. It's more faithful to Prince than if it had copied him outright. It is this duality of movement and meaning that sets "Jezebel" apart.
Wilson is both a musician and a producer, crafting songs that are not just entertainment but experiences. "Jezebel" suggests a dialogue between genres and generations that respects reggae's roots while propelling it into exciting but unexplored territory.
Stuart Wilson serves us up a slice that is just as thought-inducing as it is upbeat. For the reggae faithful who desire substance, for those willing to seek something outside of what they are programmed to consume, "Jezebel" is a captivating invitation into Wilson's expanding dominion of Reggae Renaissance. It's a song meant to be experienced not only with the ears but also with the skin from that first punchy horn entry to the last note.