Adrian Sherwood

“Becoming a Cliché”

The second ‘solo’ album from Adrian actually features a host of guests including Lee Perry, Dennis, Bovell, Little Roy, Jazzwad, LSK, Bim Sherman, Samia Farah, Mark Stewart and more

The first album I made with my name on the front of the sleeve (as opposed to the back producer credit) was “Never Trust a Hippy” (Realworld 2003). The album was primarily instrumental, utilising worldly samples it had some of my favourite musicians performing with contemporary Jamaican rhythms from Jazzwad, Lenky and Sly and Robbie.

With “Becoming a Cliché” I’ve continued to work with Jazzwad doing the beats and my engineer Nick Caplowe. Jazzwad lives between Jamaica, England and Canada – he is an excellent young producer/programmer working extensively with Bounty Killer and some of Jamaica’s finest talent.

During my career I’ve been very lucky. I’ve worked with nearly all my early musical heroes. On this record are reggae giants Lee Perry, Little Roy and Dennis Bovell as well as a sampled Bim Sherman vocal I recorded a number of years ago.

The record also features ‘new‘ artists like the multi-talented singer/songwriter Samia Farah whose paintings and design also provide the artwork for ‘Cliché’. I have big respect for her work.

Featured on two tracks, one singing and one in a ‘singjay’ style is Lee ‘LSK’ Kenny. I first worked with Lee when he was called Bedlam a GoGo. Lee has the ability to write thought provoking lyrics in the space of no time. He has recently contributed to Faithless and long-term collaborators Nightmares on Wax.

Also featured is Raiz. I now work with Raiz on live shows for my ON.U Sound System in Italy and previously I mixed an album for his old band Alma Magretta over a decade ago. Raiz contributed a vocal track on the last Massive Attack album.

The last lead vocal contributor to mention is my old friend Mark Stewart, who I have worked with since 1980. Mark has been one of the greatest influences on me.

Also featured are my two daughters Denise + Emily who appear on vocals with Lee Perry, This is my second ‘solo’ album. It’s personal, it’s good and I’m very proud of it.

Adrian Maxwell Sherwood