By Vinette K. Pryce
Reggae icon Burning Spear rarely guests with other recording artists. As a matter of fact, initially when Eryka Badu invited him to sing with her, his initial response was a negative.
With some coaxing, Spear reversed his response and when he appeared at Irving Plaza,
Badu joined him for a memorable date.
Spear said yes last week to a request from Irish pop singer Sinead O’Connor who asked him to join her in what would be her first major engagement in five years. Next Tuesday, Spear will make a rare appearance at the Jammy Awards by closing the final segment of the rock awards presentation at the Theatre at Madison Square Gardens. The two singers will deliver four songs she chose to record on an album she has dedicated to the genre.
From a total package of vintage reggae remakes, O’Connor selected Spear’s “Marcus Garvey,” and “Throw Down Your Arms” as part of a compilation she selected to deliver. According to a source, three of Spear’s recordings will fill her reggae catalogue of former releases by reggae artists.
Although the album has not found a distributor, O’Connor is excited about her duet engagement and return appearance in New York. It has been five years since the singer performed in the United States. After a downturn in her career following a Saturday Night Live appearance where she ripped apart a picture of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church – Pope John Paul II -- O’Connor suffered a medical setback. She announced retirement two years ago but last February signed a 3-album deal with Sanctuary Records.
Her return to the limelight also marks the fifth annual roots, rock awards known as the Jammys. With categories encompassing – archival live album of the year, tour of the year, studio album of the year, live performance, DVD of the year, download new groove, album and song of the year, the Jammys attract icons and young guns.
Performances by Disco Biscuits, Buddy Guy, Bruce Hornsby, Phil Lesh, Mavis Staples and a full roster of jamming acts will mark the April 26 Garden party.