AWARD-winning artist Cleveland Watkiss MBE launched his new album and tour The Great Jamaican Songbook today - and he will bring his show to Taunton next month.

Watkiss, who recently received the 2021 Ivors Composer Award for Innovation, has received recognition across a range of musical genres. 

He is known as the co-founder of the influential Jazz Warriors big band and for his work with pianist and composer Julian Joseph. 

Watkiss has also pursued a well-respected solo career, which has seen him perform at leading venues in the UK and abroad. 

As a drum and bass vocalist and MC, Watkiss became the voice of Goldie’s legendary Metalheadz label nights at The Blue Note - a relationship that would lead to residencies at some of the world’s biggest and best dance music events. 

He has also worked alongside US drum innovator Marque 'the innamost' Gilmore and cut master DJ La Rouge in the first-ever live drum and bass band, Project 23. 

Now, Watkiss is returning with a project close to his heart. 

The Great Jamaican Songbook is a roots-reggae orientated showcase, interpreted and presented in a way in which only an artist with such extensive musical knowledge and experience could create. 

The album guides listeners through the origins and development of Jamaican music and culture. 

The stories behind the work and the music itself enhance one another, creating a compelling experience destined to stimulate all senses.

Recorded at Zak Starkey’s studio, The Great Jamaican Songbook features iconic songs from the greats such as Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, and Burning Spear.

It also shines a light on hidden gems from labels such as Studio One, Coxsone Dodd, and TuffGong; producers like King Tubby and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and music from singers such as Delroy Wilson, Prince Lincoln, and other who receive less international recognition than they deserve.

This balance helps audiences enjoy familiar music while discovering other songs and stories for the first time.

Watkiss has recruited a band for The Great Jamaican Songbook that features jazz, pop, reggae, and funk legends, such as trumpeter Byron Wallen and saxophonist Ray Carless. 

A spokesperson for the album and tour said: "Cleveland Watkiss has enhanced the projects of many of his musical colleagues, including artists and organisations as varied as The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Dusseldorf Symphony Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan, Jackie Mittoo, Keith Richards, The James Taylor Quartet, Art Blakey, Sly & Robbie, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stevie Wonder, Talvin Singh, Bjork, and many, many more.

"The perception of Cleveland Watkiss as a valuable collaborator to so many successful endeavours further fortifies Watkiss’ status as an artist at the top of his game.

"The Great Jamaican Songbook is an important and essential addition to 2022’s musical calendar - a recording and event not to be missed."

Cleveland Watkiss will bring The Great Jamaican Songbook to Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre on Wednesday, April 6. 

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/cleveland-watkiss-the-great-jamaican-songbook/.