I Kong aka Ricky Storme, Chinese Ras",
Ghetto youth,Mystic Warrior, is back from obscurity, and has reached the shores of America with two albums in tow. His original 1978 album "The Way It Is" was
re-released in 2006. This, "The Forgotten Man" his second of the
two authorized releases, is a combination of re-recorded, new and vintage songs, some
previously un-released. Fans and vintage collectors should enjoy this re-mastered collection
of prophetical, energetic, and roots rocking reggae music. Tracks features the musical talents of some of reggae music's premiere musicians and artists: "Family Man Barrett, Sly
and Robbie, Guitar Solo by Cat Coore, and Switzerland's own "Blue eyed"George, Carl Ayton, Hermon Marquis, Leroy Hamilton, Egbert Evans, Sticky, Skully, Vin Gordon,
Prilly Hamilton, Winston Wright, Robert Lynn, Tommy McCook, Headly Bennett, Ibo Cooper,Roger Lewis,
Ian Lewis, Jackie Jackson, Geffory Chung ,Judy Mowatt, Anecia E. Banks, Candy Mckenzie, Pam Hall, 5446,
The Jamaicans, Cynthia Schloss, Orville Woods". And featuring bonus sample mix by Joe "small axe" culture
with Poetess "M-Wa".
Written and produced by Errol "I" Kong
Executive producer: G Campbell
Published by Mac Law Music-BMI
Remastered by Butterville Music
Arrangement:Errol Kong/Winston Wright.
Printed by Orlando Media Studios.com
Thanks to M.Lee"aka Jah Mikes"& T Bailey
You are both a part of this foundation;
and to every one whose time & work help make this project possible: Pamella, Jerome, Face, Tony,Phreddie G!, Terry, OMS, Joe, Drake, Chris, Big B,
Big Daddy MC, Yediydah,lenox,puwah,DAC, and the Legendary I KONG, My sincere thanks.
FOR BOOKINGS!Cantact: Stringbean International UK:@ 44-7758-669161
or
Bigger things records @ 508-361-4380
or email
Ikongmusic@yahoo.com
CD IS NOW AVAILABLE
AT: cdbaby.com/cd/ikong
&
Apple iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/
MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=
255310713
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Reggae Vibes review:
Widely regarded as a mysterious singer, I Kong (formerly known as Ricky Storme) is one of those distinctive rasta singers from the 1970s, who recorded on a more occasional basis than many of his contemporaries. Like a few others, including Little Roy and Fred Locks, he reached cult status in the international reggae scene due to the release of a few remarkable roots songs. The latter include the haunting "The Way It Is" on the Top Cat label, which became a favourite of Lloydie Coxsone's sound in London, "Life's Road" and "Trod Along (Zion's Pathway)".
After a far too long hiatus he's back in business with an authorized CD-R (!), which brings the avid fan a mixed bag of re-recorded, new and vintage material. After having spun this album several times, we still have mixed feelings, mainly because of the lacklustre backing quite a few tracks. After all these years I Kong's voice sounds great as ever, and also lyrically his songs are above par. This alone makes it worthwhile to have him back. The inclusion of memorable classic songs like "Zion's Pathway" and "The Way It Is" is simply great and a real joy. A few remixed songs, including "Babylon Walls" and the superb "Life's Road", are good efforts and thus also worth of hearing. Highlights from the newer material are "Jah Light", "Ode To Africa" and the moving "Love Was (A Tribute To Sonny Bins)".
After having heard this album, one can only hope I Kong will get the opportunity to record an album with some of Jamaica's finest veteran musicians. Pretty sure it's going to be an excellent roots set.
Teacher & MR.T ------------------------
For a time it felt like wishful thinking to have I Kong back on the scene again. He seemed to be the most withdrawn of artists, someone who got too damaged and ripped off by the business, someone you thought you would never get the chance to hear again. But it's good to be proven wrong sometimes, isn't it. Withdrawn and disillusioned, yes, but far from finished. If you're on a mission you can't be finished so easily. A true artist has to keep on going. That's his or her purpose in life, no matter what happens along life's lonely road. 'The Forgotten Man' is not a disappointment. Kong has kept the voice in shape, surprisingly well, and the new riddims are perhaps not that 'adventurous', but still satisfactory and well executed. The ability to write poignant, topical songs hasn't failed him, that is clear. There are also the inclusion of the syndrum overdubbed tracks from the 1980's bootleg, 'Africa Calling', as well as the original 7" version of super rare tracks like 'Trod Along (Zion's Pathway)'. My only complaint is that that particular song could've been cleaned up better. But this is nothing to criticize as music of such raw beauty and rarity is most welcome anywhere, and here it is. The VP issue of 'The Way It Is' (for some strange reason felt to be an over-produced and over-ambitious effort at the time) came as a real surprise - regarding the release, not musically speaking - but maybe it was just a question of time before the demand for this man's timeless music would increase. It should be at a point where the man will be able to perform it. I strongly believe that he will be on stage pretty soon, exactly where such a quality voice belongs. Also, to see early songs like 'Cuban Cutlass', 'Dunny Dun' and 'Take A Hold' collected, to name a few, would be a serious treat. No, Kong was never forgotten. Instead the supply of his kind of music is what is deeply needed in these soulless times. If I Kong is a new name to you, make yourself discover one of the best roots singers in the past thirty years. It will hardly leave you unmoved.
Courtesy Reggae Vibes/Peter I
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This review was copied from cdbaby.com
Reviewer: Peter I
This album proves that veteran artiste I Kong, also known as Ricky Storme, is a force to check for in contemporary Jamaican music. With roots that goes back some 40 years in the business, I Kong knows a thing or two about how to produce high quality music. Who can forget the incredible The Way It Is, the original cut from 1972 is one of the strongest tracks ever from this singer, not to forget Trod Along Zion's Pathway, also included here in its original form. Fantastic stuff, nice remixes, good enough new tracks, and that unforgettable voice. Its been a long time coming but we're glad to have him back.
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I KONG IS A VERY HUMBLE , RESPECTFUL & DEEPLY SPIRITUAL RAS, AS REFLECTED IN HIS MUSIC. BUT HE YEARNS FOR JUSTICE, & RELIEF. THEREFORE i HAVE BEEN SENT BY THE MOST HIGH AS A RAY OF LIGHT, TO BRIGHTEN THE DARKNESS & BRING ABOUT RELIEF , JUSTICE & BLESSINGS AT THE LATTER END.
THERE ARE SLICK WOLVES LURKING, BUT THE SHEPHERD SHALL CHASE THEM AWAY.
THE TRUTH HAS BEEN TOLD: NOW FORWARD ON !!!WITH THE Iiiiiii.
http://www.reggae-vibes.com/concert/ikong/ikong.htm
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