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Can't Stop Beres Hammond

   Beres Hammond does not have the look of a modern-day superstar. He prefers an understated appearance: simple shirt and pants, hat included. His outfits are usually complemented by a bearded face, glasses, and a big smile. Hammond’s low profile belies his sultry voice and hypnotic lyrics, traits that have fueled his longevity in reggae.
   One year after leaving Reichhold Center in 2002, the Jamaica-native released the 2-disc set “Can’t Stop A Man: The Ultimate Collection.” The collection is more than just a smattering of his biggest hits. It brilliantly showcases Hammond’s singing prowess, as well as his storytelling skills; things that have made him an in-demand producer and songwriter.
   In addition, a closer look into Hammond’s records reveals that the master has had a hit song every year from 1990 to 2002, with the exception of 1991.
   His soulful lyrics also earned him the title “king of lover’s rock.” Hammond has written about a woman coming back for more on “What One Dance Can Do” and about a young lady who goes from an “Ugly Betty” type in her younger days to a heart-stopping beauty later in life on “Show it Off.” There’s every man’s anthem, “Can’t Stop a Man,” where Hammond laments, “What can you do to stop a man from trying?” And of course, there’s much female appreciation in “Tempted to Touch.”
   Also in the years since visiting St. Thomas, Hammond released the critically-acclaimed follow up to 2001’s “Music is Life.” 2004’s “Love Has No Boundaries” includes the title song as well as “Let the Good Time Roll” with Natural Black and “Pride & Joy” with Buju Banton.
   At 52, Hammond is a living legend among reggae musicians, maintaining one of the busiest schedules in the industry. However, he always returns to his home base at Silekshan Studio in Kingston, Jamaica.
   A prudent businessman, Hammond realized early in his career that he needed to take control of his musical journey. In 1985, at age 30, Hammond established the Harmony House music label. On the label is Hammond’s newest singles “A Moment in Time,” recorded to coincide with a massive end-of-year concert before six thousand people last December in Kingston.   
   The concert capped a busy 2007 for the reggae superstar, who started the year alongside reggae songstress Marcia Griffiths with the 27-city, eight-week “For the Love of It” United States tour. By April, Hammond was back in Jamaica, performing at the opening ceremony for the Cricket World Cup. And in August, he, along with members of the group Zap Pow, was honored at the Prime Minister’s Gala during Jamaica’s Independence Day celebrations. Hammond served as lead singer of Zap Pow during the group’s hey-days in the late 1970’s.
   Hammond also did a lot of island-hopping in 2007, performing in St. Kitts’ Carnival, Barbados’ Reggae Festival, Tobago’s Plymouth Jazz Festival, Jamaica’s Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, and Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival.
   Hammond started 2008 on the same high that he ended 2007. He was among the headlining acts at January’s Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival.
   February 2008, Hammond received the award for the Reggae Role Model of The Year at the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards in Jamaica. The honor is a testament to the musician’s success, and his ability to mentor up-and-coming performers, including Nikki Turner and Ginja. One of Hammond’s most notable mentees is Jah Cure, the prolific reggae artist whose record “True Reflections…A New Beginning” burned up the reggae charts in recent years.
   Over his more than 35 years in the musical industry, Hammond has also collaborated with many established artists. He has joined forces with Anthony B, Capleton and Tony Rebel. Hammond worked with Maxi Priest on “How Can We Ease the Pain” and with Wyclef Jean on “Dance 4 Me.” His numerous selections with Buju Banton include “Who Say (that big man don’t cry),” “Can You Play Some More (Pull it Up),” and “Ain’t it Good to Know.”
  The reggae superstar has almost 20 CDs to his credit, most appearing on his Harmony House music label. His songs have also appeared on numerous compilations, including several volumes of “Reggae Gold” and “Strictly the Best.” The Jamaican crooner is currently in the studio putting the final touches on his new CD.

—Diane Francis