After taking a break from the music industry, producer Ian “Dennis” Johnson returns with the “Soca Jam EP,” an island-flavored project aimed at getting party animals on the dance floor. Johnson, who has worked with big names such as Bob Andy, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, and Cutty Ranks, as well as Miami-based artist Trini, was ready for a change of pace after years of producing reggae artists.
The title track on “Soca Jam,” done by Grub Cooper of Fab5, was released on July 4th. The compilation also features “Roll Your Waist” by Honorebel, “Caribbean Ting” by Mr. Easy, and a remix of “Roll Your Waist” with Honorebel and Ackah Dan.
“After a long hiatus from music production, I am not moving away from reggae, but I have a popular Soca Jam website, and I use it to promote entertainment events,” Johnson explained. “I am planning to promote some soca events next year in Trinidad, New York, and Jamaica, so these soca songs are to bring awareness to my Soca Jam Promotions.”
The first person who came to mind for this soca venture was drummer, arranger, and vocalist Grub Cooper, known for his work with the Fabulous Five Band in Jamaica. He created and wrote some of their biggest soca hits, including “All Night Party” and “Feeling Horny.”
As for Cooper, he said once he heard the draft of “Soca Jam,” there was no hesitation about getting on board. “His (Johnson’s) thought process is worldwide, which I totally subscribe to because music today is a big melting pot. The Soca Jam has a lot of potential,” he said.
Initially, Cooper’s track was to be the only song for “Soca Jam,” but Johnson eventually approached Mr. Easy and Honorebel to voice on the up-tempo beat. “Soca Jam,” the single, is now available on all streaming platforms; it comes to us courtesy of Finatic Records, Johnson‘s company.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 