Singer/songwriter Duane Stephenson greatly impacted upon Jamaica’s musical landscape with the release of his stunning introductory album “From August Town” on Cannon/VP Records in early 2008, demonstrating that the heartfelt lyrics, sincere vocals, insightful commentaries and deeply rooted spirituality that made roots reggae a global force lives on in the 21st century. From the exquisite remake of the late Tyrone Taylor’s mid-80s lovers rock lament “Cottage In Negril” to the brilliant title track “August Town”, a contemplative tale of intermittent war torn conditions in the Kingston community where Duane was born and currently resides, “From August Town” reaped critical accolades. It was cited by Billboard Magazine as one of six albums “collectively galvanizing a roots reggae revival” with “lyrics that convey romantic longings and the anguish of ghetto realities with equal conviction” and similarly hailed by Pitchfork.com as “undoubtedly a highlight of not just 2008, but perhaps the past few years.”