Daily Reggae Album Review: “Downtown Swing” is Gonzo’s brilliant new album

Photo courtesy of Gonzo. Photo credit: Alicia Hauff.

I was first attracted and drawn to reggae music when I listened to my Uncle Jim’s Bob Marley and Sublime CDs in the late ‘90s. Over the years I fell in love with the genre and it’s immense pool of global talent. Gonzo (Ryan Gonzo) is a great example of the phenomenal talent in today’s reggae community. His contribution to the genre is huge - from his time in Fortunate Youth, years as one of Tribal Seeds’ core members, and his dedication to consistently releasing amazing solo work. Gonzo’s new album, “Downtown Swing” shines a light on his one of a kind voice and ability to write simple yet beautiful reggae love songs. 

The album starts with the title track “Downtown Swing”, a lively song with a grooving reggae riddim and powerful horn section. Gonzo carries the tune with his singing and it sets the tone for good vibes throughout the album, which was released by Roots Musician Records.

Gonzo collaborates with Arise Roots’ Karim Israel in the laid back track, “Crucial”. The musicianship in the song is impressive. We love the song’s feel.

Speaking of a feel for harmonizing over a reggae track, Gonzo’s collaboration with EarthKry in “Do You Feel Me” is poetic. This is exactly the type of reggae love song we were mentioning that Gonzo brilliantly brings to life. You will also hear a taste of Gonzo’s jamming guitar on this track.

Head to the Daily Reggae Album Reviews page to read our full review.

“I’ll Be There” by Gonzo is the Daily Reggae Song of the Day.