Heirs of Bob Marley claim they intend to “Catch A Fire” in Central Park on Aug. 30 when two generations continue the 13-date tour named from the 1973 release of the iconic album.
Sons Damian and Stephen Marley are headliners of the “Catch A Fire” tour, and grandson Skip Marley is part of the lineup.
The third-generation teenager recently released “Cry To Me,” his debut single
Since the age of five, Skip has played piano, adding guitar, drums, and ultimately songwriting.
First recorded as a demo on his phone, the haunting love ballad “Cry to Me” is only the second song he ever wrote.
It concerns “a personal situation with a young woman I was dealing with,” he explained.
“The words came to me and the rhythm all at the same time. It’s a love song, but I like to write about everything: ups and downs of life, poverty, girlfriends, God,” he said.
Working with rhythm twins Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, he spends some of his off-time from touring in the studios readying an album slated for an end of year release.
Like his famous grandfather, the 19-year-old said “I want to spread positivity through music.”
Already committed to a publishing agreement with Blue Mountain Music Ltd. — the label his grandfather and grandmother were signed to — a worldwide deal allows him to include recordings on his family-owned Tuff Gong International label.
Chris Blackwell is ecstatic about his latest acquisition.
The tour de force of signing another Marley after inking deals with Bob Marley to Island Records in the 1970s and later the Rita Marley Music catalogue, Blackwell added: “I am really excited to be working with Bob’s grandson, Skip. He has so much to offer.”
Including a possible remix of one of Bob’s songs.
“I’ll do four of my own numbers,” he said, “And maybe one of my grandfather’s. I’ll keep that positive message flowing.”
Fans to the Central Park showcase will be treated to songs from Skip’s repertoire and if all goes in their favor could even experience a steaming hot, session with another Marley grand, if Jo Mersa, Stephen’s son makes an appearance to totally burn up the scene.
The 2015 summer concert series in New York City parks will be recalled with memories of blazing performances from Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Nicky Minaj, Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, George Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, Maxi Priest, Angelique Kidjo, Third World among others.
