Veteran singer Ian Sweetness puts his stamp on "Willow Tree", a song originally done by Chuck Jackson and immortalized in Jamaica by Alton Ellis.
He produced his version for Audio Sweetness Production and said he wanted to bring "more passion, soul and clarity" to a song Jamaicans revere.
"Willow Tree" was originally done by Jackson in 1959. His songs, like "Any Day Now" and "Tell Him I’m Not Home", have also been covered by Jamaican artists like Dennis Brown and Sanchez.
Ellis covered "Willow Tree" in 1967 for Studio One. His sister, Hortense Ellis, also did a version of the song.
Influenced by Dennis Brown and Frankie Paul, Ian Sweetness has been in the music since the late 1980s. He has recorded songs for noted producers such as Hyman “Jah Life” Wright, Donovan Germain and Bobby Digital.
Ian Sweetness credits working with them for helping to prepare him as a producer. He enjoys the dual role.
“The difference (with an artist producing their own songs) is, I have the last say on my project,” he said.
Written By Howard Campbell