Miss Lily's Family Style

Known for serving up Jamaica's freshest beats and top-notch cuisine in downtown Manhattan, Miss Lily's has become a social and cultural hub for all things Caribbean. The island aesthetic is reflected throughout the swanky decor of their restaurant, bakery, juice bar and variety shop - which serves as a record store, gallery space and home to Internet broadcast station, Radio Lily.

Miss Lily’s Variety Shop, located directly next door to the restaurant, celebrates their first year in business and launches a brand new CD series Miss Lily's Family Style (VP Records) on January 22. The first installment is executive produced by Radio Lily resident DJ Max Glazer along with one of Miss Lily's founding partners, Paul Salmon, who also owns Jamaica's award-winning Rockhouse Hotel and co-founded Joe’s Pub in Manhattan.

Enclosed in the CD's vintage vinyl-inspired packaging are in-depth liner notes written by reggae journalist and Radio Lily DJ Rob Kenner along with a free download card of a 43-minute mix by DJ Max Glazer.  

Miss Lily’s family of DJs and tastemakers have carefully selected fifteen of their must-have favorites - including certified classics like Sizzla’s “Just One of Those Days,” Tanya Stephens’ “It's A Pity” and Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder’s “Bonafide Love” as well as modern day anthems like Busy Signal’s “One More Time," Vybz Kartel’s “Whine,” Konshens’ “So Mi Tan” and Gappy Ranks’ “Pumpkin Belly.”

 STREAM entire Miss Lily's Family Style mix by DJ Max Glazer

Freddie McGregor to Release New Album, Di Captain

With his deep reggae catalogue spanning almost five decades, Freddie McGregor is one of the few first-generation reggae icons here today who has blazed a path through virtually every stage of the genre - from ska, rock steady to early and modern day reggae. On January 29, 2013, he takes the reigns once again with Di Captain (VP Records/Big Ship), his brand new studio album after four years in the making.

The album's title refers slyly to his continued status as captain of his Big Ship production complex. This 16-track collection demonstrates Freddie's magnificent talents as a songwriter and his taste for cover versions, romantic ballads and strong cultural messages. Original songs include the heartfelt tribute to his island "Move Up Jamaica,” the powerfully pleading "More Love in the Ghetto" and earnestly romantic and gospel-flavored "Love I Believe In.

 " As for cover versions, Freddie's draws from a wide and varied array of great pop anthems (Beatles’ "You Won't See Me," Luther Vandross' "A House Is Not a Home") and reggae songs of the past (“Bob Marley’s “Rainbow Country,” The Heptones’ “Equal Rights”). Each rendition is infused with Freddie's own unmistakable vibe and rich, soulful vocals. "These songs were very specially chosen," Freddie says. "We took the greatest pains in making sure these would be classic songs that will last for a long time. 

I chose songs like "Equal Rights" because I love the message and because the youth need to hear it. We made a special effort to keep it as grass-roots as we can." Members of Jamaica's studio A-list perform on the album - from the great bass-and-drum duos of Mafia & Fluxy and Steely & Clevie to session aces like saxophonist Dean Fraser and keyboardist Carlton "Bubblers" Ogilvie. Former Heptones frontman Leroy Sibbles lends his talents as a bass player on several tracks, including Freddie's excellent version of their hit "Equal Rights." Di Captain also features guest vocals from up-and-coming artists like Etana on "Let It Be Me" and Gappy Ranks on “Standing Strong,” a remake of Freddie's 1980s hit "Bobby Bobylon.”