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It's obviously been a very LONG time since any updates have been made here. But that doesn't mean I've not been busy! There really has not been much time for anything else but the demands of life and music! However, I've finally finished my first original piece and it's now live! The song is titled "Work It Out: A Reasoning", and is basically a call for us to re-evaluate many of the things we value and determine if we really need them. It also serves as encouragement to use Love as a guiding force to help us get through this thing called Life. "A Reasoning" is a nod to my "Jamaica-ness" as "reasoning" is a term used by many to discuss matters of importance in a calm manner: ("Mi waan reason wid yuh"; "Mek wi hol' ah reason"). The lyrics were originally written way back in 2006, and has seen many changes. The desire to start serious work on it occurred at the start of 2020 and Covid when everyone was at home. Lyrics were rewritten, a musical idea was formed and five years (!!) later, it's about to be launched worldwide! This song is a major step for me as I continue to carve out my own little portion of the vast music universe. If you happened to stumble across it once released, I sincerely hope you enjoy it! Just the idea of finally releasing a piece of music written, composed and performed with help is simply amazing to me and I hope to continue and expand as time goes on. Be Well. 
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Check out the new releases from Ivan Hampden Jr., now available on all streaming platforms!
The songs feature a "who's who" list of accomplished vocalists including Lisa Fischer, Paulette McWilliams, Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson), Cindy Mizelle and others, plus a surprise appearance by Luther Vandross. The musicians on the songs are major contributors and players and include Nat Adderly Jr., Philip Hamilton, Jerry Barnes, John "Skip" Anderson and others. I'm so honored to also make an appearance on the project, playing bass on the track titled "Candle Light". Ivan is also co-producer on my first single, "Deja Vu" and words cannot fully express my pride in seeing him complete this phase of his musical journey! Go to your favorite streaming platform and search for "Ivan Hampden Jr." to find his songs. Here's a link for YouTube Music "Deja Vu" was added to the Pandora Music Streaming Service recently, and was also added to the Pandora "Fresh Cuts" Playlist today! Thanks Pandora!  Sending MAJOR thanks to David Miranda and The Unisoul Radio Network for adding "Deja Vu" to their Unisoul Indie Jazz - Smooth R&B Station channel (presented by Scott Marvill FreePort Jazz Recording Studio, N.C).   “Deja Vu”
By Adrienne Anderson and Isaac Hayes Copyright Universal Music-Careers and Rightsong Music, Inc. Originally performed by Dionne Warwick; 1979 I’ve always loved the song! I was a “likkle yute” (14 years old) still living in Jamaica at the time, and when it came out, I was instantly drawn to the string composition and the bass. I don’t know why. At 14, I had very little music experience (I wasn’t even playing a instrument really, at that age). But, I was an avid listener and always “heard things” no one else in my family seemed to hear. My parents also liked the song. It was not uncommon to hear them humming the tune as they went about their day, and my dad wore out the 8-track cassette on which the song was recorded for him. This version of the song is dedicated to them. Fast-forward to around 2015 or so when the song popped back in my mind and I began wondering what it would sound like as a Reggae tune, and from that point, I couldn’t get the idea out of my mind! So I began recording different, very simple versions to see what I could come up with. |
Dean IrwinHello and welcome to my website! As a musician and a music lover, I’ve always been fascinated with the process of making music. Back in the “old days”, I would read through album liner notes constantly. There was so much information available in some of those albums! For many, it wasn’t just about the artist or band, but would include information on the recording staff and sometimes even the equipment used! I love that stuff!!! Archives
May 2025
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