Barrington Levy — KEXP Studio, Seattle, 2025

Live session recorded on 12 June 2025 at the KEXP radio studio in Seattle, this set spotlights Barrington Levy, a Jamaican legend of dancehall and reggae. Discovered in the late 1970s while still a teenager, the singer with the instantly recognisable falsetto performs four signature songs from his catalogue: A Fi Yuh, Too Experienced, Black Roses and Here I Come, the last of these among his best-loved classics. He is backed by a seasoned live band: Jamey “Zebbie” DeKofsky on drums, Ray “Blunt” Myrie on bass, Steve Verhault on guitar and George Hughes Jr on keyboards, a section that lays down deep riddims and the unmistakable reggae pulse. KEXP’s live format, known for the finesse of its recording, showcases Levy’s unique tone, his vocal flights and his sense of phrasing. Moving between roots, lovers rock and early dancehall, this live performance testifies to the longevity and vitality of an artist whose influence still runs through contemporary Jamaican music. Whether you are a dedicated reggae listener or a curious newcomer, this full concert is a valuable chance to hear a foundational voice of the genre in an intimate, superbly captured studio setting.