by Liam Monaghan
Hailing from the rural community of Back Pasture, St. Catherine and born on Valentines Day in 1987 to parents Cleveland and Maxine Martin, from an early age Christopher honed his talent at Watermount All-Age School and later went on to graduate from St. Jago High School. It was during his High School years that his love for music and sports blossomed leading him to enter Jamaica’s number one talent show in 2005.
Christopher Martin has greeted the world with hits such as Nah Go Change, Take My Wings, Tonight, Giving It, the chart-smashing single, Jamaican Girls, Driver and Gallis featuring Busy Signal. Martin has also worked with the best of the best over the years including Robert Livingston of Big Yard, Arif Cooper of Fresh Ear Productions, Shane Brown of Jukeboxx, Christopher Birch and Mosiah Music to name a few.
Personally I find Christophers music very uplifting and living in the UK his vocal scales and upbeat music just make me want to head on holiday!. Steppin Razor I a great collection of upbeat thoughtful conscious music!
Steppin Razor
First up is Steppin Razor, a very modern twist on a rootsy feeling riddim. Christopher’s soft vocals work in harmony with the riddim and his vocals remind me of an old school aswad! I really like this record and the lyrics tell a story that is easy to follow with a simple message.
Im A Big Deal
I have been supporting this record on Reggae Roots & Bass for some time now, its also shot Christopher into the global reggae charts. The riddim can only be described as a non-aggressive Dancehall/Bashment riddim accompanied by classical guitars and soft keys, another song which Screams Summer Vibes! This has nothing to do with money or fame, or vanity, this one is all about self worth. Suh big up yo chest and stand proud and don’t matter bout nobody, No man nuh more than no man pon this earth“
We Are The Vibes
A toned down riddim compared to previous songs we’ve heard so far. A few glimpses of an EDM style key chord appear in the chorus but the riddim is focused in the same style of a soft dancehall riddim but in my opinion is American influenced a fair bit. A nice overall song and a great easy listen.
Secret Love (Creep)
Didn’t really know what to expect when I saw the title of this track. Its fair to say that this record is based around Chris’s appreciation for a woman based persona. He pays many compliments including that he’s not fussed about race, appearance etc. there’s a few mentions of “I know you have a man but…” “If you a go sleep, sleep with me, if your man finds out” either way, a love song and its an interesting listen.
Hide Away
Ska sounding Riddim! Really like this one, lots of harmonies and we go back to a rootsy feeling record. Chris’s sound is summed up in this record, he has great range, scale and a voice everyone can appreciate. A simple riddim to finish off a classy and well-constructed collection of songs big up Christopher Martin!
Christopher Martin- Steppin Razor EP
Released: April 21, 2015
Released by VP Records
