Cario Young follows Grace Thrillers’ path

Back in the late 1980s, it was not strange to see hardcore dancehall fans waving their hands or flicking lighters to The Grace Thrillers’ ‘Can’t Even Walk’ and ‘Jesus’. That reception was the indicator that Jamaican gospel music had waded into the mainstream.

Cario Young is aware of The ‘Thrillers’ groundbreaking work. He is determined to follow in their footsteps by making gospel music that appeals to Christians and secular fans alike.

That is one of the objectives for ‘New Day’, his first album, which was released on June 19. He co-produced the 14-song set with Canute Ellis, who interestingly started his career in the 1990s as a studio engineer with The Grace Thrillers organisation.

The Toronto, Canada-based Young said there was no specific direction for ‘New Day’ as they prepared for production.

“We were just creating what was laid on our hearts. This album evolved into a predominantly reggae album after we released ‘Easy’. The release of ‘Easy’ derailed our plans to release a contemporary R&B project. We felt the shift and we just obeyed the call,” he disclosed.

‘Easy’, which is driven by a roots-reggae beat, is one of five songs that were available prior to the release of ‘New Day’. The others are ‘Cool & Deep’, ‘Expectations’, ‘Truly’ and ‘If It Wasn’t’.

With the album out, Young and his team are putting their promotional muscle behind ‘Regardless’, ‘Gravy’ and ‘One Way’. The latter is a collaboration with DJ Nicholas, a member of the neo-gospel movement in Jamaica.

Young is from Portland parish in eastern Jamaica. It is where he was raised in the church and developed a deep love for traditional gospel.

Yet, his ears also perked to the sounds of dancehall stars like Agent Sasco, R&B/jazz singer Anita Baker and DJ Nicholas. When he began recording music almost 10 years ago, Young’s songs reflected those diverse influences.

For his first album, he sought the Orlando, Florida-based Ellis who has produced several well-received projects aimed at expanding the gospel message. Young believes their partnership met all expectations.

“I hope this album will create change in the space. I hope it will transform minds and hearts and reach the lost,” he said. “I hope people will hear this album and see and feel God’s hands on their lives. I pray it will heal the hearts of the wounded and give answers to the confused.”

(Photo contributed)