Bernard Jackson - lead singer of R&B group Surface - known for that distinctive voice heard on such hits as "Shower me with your love" - a #1 R&B hit and #(5) pop hit, "The first time" - #(1) R&B and #(1) pop hit, "Closer Than Friends," "Happy and You Are My Everything" is now turning his attention to reggae music.
Jackson recently went back in studios and re-recorded a reggae version of "Shower Me With Your Love" on the Wagon Music label. The song has be getting rave reviews in reggae circles in the USA and has re-introduced him to fans who had fell in love with his velvet voice years ago when he crooned R&B love songs.
"It's like coming full circle for me because even before I joined Surface, I had a fascination with reggae music and I actually recorded a reggae cover of Michael Jackson's hit single "Billie Jean" he disclosed.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Jackson shared that he never planned on doing a reggae project... "It just kinda happen naturally," he said.
According to Jackson, his partner, Mike Jones, who is from Jamaica, had a friend who had a brother in the music business.
Jones realised that his friend's brother, Eric Smith, was really talented and decided to do a project with him. After listening to some of the beats, Bernard was fascinated and encouraged his partner to do a reggae cover of Surface's first hit Happy.
It was an enthusiastic Jackson who talked about his love for the music. "Reggae music is black music, it will never die, you are never too old or too young to do it," he said. "I basically merge what I do with the reggae beat."
"I just love the culture and I have always loved reggae. In fact, I was a Ras for 10 years," Jackson quipped indicating how deep he was into the cultural vibes.
The lead singer of Surface along with members David Conley and David Townsend kept the essence of soul music alive throughout the late '80s. Their wonderful blend of dance, R&B and pop was the perfect remedy for audiences clamouring for music with true depth, passion and diversity. Soulful, melodic harmonies and well-crafted instrumentation would become their trademark and listening today you will see why Surface are one of the most accomplished R&B groups for a new generation.
