Mclean, Jean
Everlasting
Jean McLean's solo album "Everlasting" has been a long time coming. It has been thirty years since her vocals and musicianship were such a highlight of Sceptre's "Essence of Redemption Ina A Dif'rent Styley", (Reissued on Reggae Archive Records), but releasing reggae has always been a struggle and talent doesn't always equal opportunity. Fortunately, 2014 has seen everything fall into place. Jean had begun working and recording with Ecks Production's Paul Horton, one of the UK's best when it comes to engineering and producing reggae. Although Sceptre folded in 1987, Jean has never given up music and has continued to hone both her vocal and song writing skills. The resulting album is something of an instant classic and should finally get Jean the attention her talent deserves. Of the nine vocals, seven are Jean's original compositions (plus with Bob Marley's "Waiting In Vain" and Dennis Brown's "Things in Life"). Jean feels at ease whether singing about matters of the heart or more political themes."Reggaebaby" might be regarded as Jean's theme song as she joyfully sings: "This is my life if you know what I mean, to be a reggae singer is a lifelong dream"; this album is surely a step in Jean fulfilling that dream. Jean McLean's "Everlasting" is a fantastic debut from Birmingham's best kept secret and a true reggaebaby.