Paul Kastick turns Rock Classics into Reggae

From his home in Montego Bay, teenaged Paul Kastick was fascinated by the glamour of the American artistes. He pays homage to them on ‘My Reggae Rocking Journey Vol, 2’, his second album which was released in August.

Like his debut album, ‘My Reggae Rocking Journey Vol 1’, it contains reggae covers of rock songs, many of which ruled the charts during the 1980s and 1990s. The drummer/singer produced 16 of its 19 songs. The others he co-produced with American guitarist Rudy Valentino.

Among the songs he puts a reggae flavour to are U2’s ‘One’, which gets a Nyahbinghi makeover; Foreigner’s ‘I Don’t Want to Live Without You’; ‘Love & Hate’ (first done by Michael Kiwanuka) and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ ‘I Could Have Lied’.

There are also interpretations of Lionel Richie’s ‘Wandering Stranger’ and Neil Diamond’s ‘Play me That Song Again’.

Having recorded and toured with top dancehall-reggae acts for 40 years, Kastick says translating rock songs to reggae was not difficult. Finding an audience for these songs is a different ballgame.

“The demographic is serious music lovers of all ages who appreciate interpretations of classic songs. It’s for listeners who take the time to listen to a whole song, not just the first minute or two, and can truly appreciate the creativity, musicianship, quality and production that goes into each track,” he stated.

Kastick made his vocal debut three years ago with a cover of ‘Night by Night’, originally done by Steely Dan. ‘My Reggae Rocking Journey Volume 1’ was released the following year, with reggae takes on two of hair metal’s biggest anthems — Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’ and Poison’s ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’.

After holding the drum seat for Big Mountain, Maxi Priest, Diana King and Shaggy, Kastick yearned for a change in creative direction. He wanted to get behind the microphone and show his vocal range.

“I’ve improved vocally, ‘cause I’ve been able to really listen and critique myself when producing my vocals. Since moving my studio to Jamaica, I’ve had more time to work on vocals without thinking of time and studio costs,” he said.

(Photo contributed)