Machel Montano Releases ALBUM 34

Just in time for Trinidad Carnival 2010, soca fans will revel in the latest album release – ALBUM 34 – from one of the genre’s most celebrated artistes, Machel Montano. The prodigiously gifted Trinidadian, whose debut vinyl album “Too Young To Soca” arrived in record shops all the way back in 1985, has once again created a magical brew of sweet soca rhythms on this, his 34th career release. ALBUM 34 is now available throughout Trinidad & Tobago, with worldwide distribution scheduled for later this month.

ALBUM 34 comprises 15 fast-paced tracks, including one that’s presently heating up the airwaves and blasting at every Carnival fete in Trinidad – called “No Behavior”. The album also features Montano’s newest hit singles “Bumper to Fender,” “Thiefin’ ” and “Awrite” (Ramajay). Each of these tunes have found great favor with soca fans and party-goers of every race and age for the Trini Carnival 2010 season.

Undoubtedly, Machel Montano has once again captured that quintessential Caribbean vibe – a scintillating mix of rhythms full of warmth, love, and good humor. Notably, ALBUM 34 features an exciting mix of new music collaborations with leading singers, musicians, and producers from Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, St. Vincent, Jamaica, B.V.I., Cuba, and USA.

On ALBUM 34, Montano has joined forces with American rapper/reggaeton artiste Pitbull for an electrifying remix of “Awrite” (Ramjay). The remix not only celebrates the fusion of reggaton and soca rhythms but also the resilience of the Haitan people following the catastrophic earthquake that affected Haiti on January 12.

Jamaican dancehall superstar Busy Signal is also in the mix on 34, making a mesmerising spin with Machel on “Wooeeii Gyal Wooeeii,” an African-influenced riddim that’s punctuated by magnificent drumbeats. Both productions are fascinating examples of Montano’s experimental approach to music-making in the studio, which no doubt is why his work is the most original and most eagerly-anticipated music in this genre.

Other savory collaborations on ALBUM 34 include “Hot Like” featuring dancehall star Serani, “Fetting On” with Skinny Fabulous, and “Really Hot” with Wildfire, an upcoming Trinidadian-American artiste. Also, get a good listen to Machel on “Not Going Home,” an uplifting, inspirational song about the power of Carnival to bring people together and to celebrate joyously their common humanity.

Montano has ensured the success of his newest endeavor, by collaborating with many of the Caribbean’s leading producers, including his close friend and award-winning songwriter, Kernal Roberts, Dwain “Dwaingerous” Antrobus, Shawn “Roots” Mitchell, Jason “Nutron” Carter, Kasey Phillips, among many others. On the album liner notes, the artiste also sends out thanks to the HD Family, a close-knit cadre of performers and musicians who have been by his side over the past four years at carnivals and concert stages around the world.

Get your copy of Machel Montano’s ALBUM 34, in stores now, and celebrate Carnival 2010 with the soca superstar.Also check your local music and book stores and other retail outlets for the ALBUM 34 2010 calendar, another collector’s item from this soca icon.

After the ALBUM 34 release, there is already that next mountain to climb for Montano. He has decided to take a short break from live performances at Trinidad Carnival 2010 in order to execute many new projects that are engaging his attention. These projects include a Bollywood film production, as well as new music which he will be releasing throughout the year.

Machel is also eagerly looking forward to seeing all of his fans again next week Thursday, February 18th at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, when he will be appearing as the opening act for Beyoncé. This is the first ever appearance in the Caribbean for the world’s ‘Queen of Pop,’ 16-time Grammy award-winning artiste, and promises to be a night of great music and amazing performances by both Machel and Beyoncé.