You probably heard about new British reggae sensation Ava Leigh through some online buzz or through your friends.
You went online and have seen the video of her single, "Mad About The Boy.
" Then you saw the Next summer collection advertisement, which features Leigh on vocals for "Mas Que Nada.
" Googling her name will already have led you to her MySpace account, which features a few more of her songs, and to a handful of articles about her.
You're trying to get to know her more, but aside from the plainly obvious fact that she sings very well, you can't understand the rest of the hype.
If you're not a hardcore fan of the reggae genre and its related and subgenres, you'll certainly feel lost.
Here's a rundown of the significant concepts, people and places that influenced Ava Leigh on her road to becoming the next reggae up and coming star: 1.
Lover's Rock.
This isn't really rock at all.
This is an R&B-influenced form of reggae that started in the 1970's, during a time wherein roots (or traditional) reggae dealt with serious themes like social protest.
As the other half of the name implies, the themes of lover's rock songs were romantic in nature.
Leigh's mom appreciated both Jamaican music and lover's rock, which probably sent Ava on her way to her love-themed repertoire.
2.
Sly and Robbie.
Drummer Lowell Charles "Sly" Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare are to reggae what Timbaland is to rap.
Not only have they established themselves as landmark reggae artists, they've extended their range by providing rhythms for top artists outside their genre.
More importantly, through their own Taxi Productions, they've helped launch the careers of other reggae artists.
Leigh has been fortunate enough to do some recording work with the legendary duo during her Kingston, Jamaica stint.
3.
Harry J's Recording Studio.
Located at 10 Roosevelt Avenue, Uptown Kingston, this studio/record label is owned by another reggae legend, Harry Johnson aka Harry J.
Performing and recording in the 1969 with his own band, he diverted his earnings from their hit album "Liquidator" into a recording studio wherein he started producing for other reggae artists.
Leigh's own "Turned-On Underground" was partially recorded in this studio.
4.
Future Cut Productions.
This is a two-DJ act based in Manchester.
Former rival DJ/promoters Tunde Babalola and Darren Lewis started a collaboration that culminated in 2004 with a production company that helped produce ska artist Lily Allen's hit album "Smile.
" Ava Leigh is part of just one of the many projects of these two prolific soundmen.
5.
Nick Manasseh.
Another prolific soundman in the UK reggae scene, Nick Manasseh has gone from setting up his own sound system, to playing on then-pirate radio station Kiss FM back in 1987, to setting up Manasseh Productions which launched a couple of record labels with several hits under their banner.
He still keeps Manasseh Sound System active with partner Brother Culture.
Part of "Turned-On Underground" was recorded with Nick's help.
There you go.
Hopefully, this will set you on the path of a better appreciation for both Ava Leigh and the music genre that she represents.
Or, at the very least, you won't get lost too badly when you read through her profile and blog.