In a career spanning 45 years, Dean Fraser has covered a lot of ground. He has recorded with reggae’s greats --- Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Sly and Robbie. 

But though his track record includes roots-reggae, lovers rock, dancehall, pop and jazz, the saxophonist has never done a Christmas album. He makes his Yuletide debut in November with “Nyahbinghi Christmas”, to be released by Tad’s International Record. 

The 16-song album, which hears Fraser and some of Jamaica’s top musicians covering Christmas standards to Rastafarian rhythms, is co-produced by the veteran ‘hornsman’ and Tad Dawkins Jr.   

“Nyahbinghi is not just Rasta music, it’s Jamaican music. Though whole heap a Rastaman sey dem nuh believe inna Christmas I think is a good thing to bring a different flavor to these songs,” said Fraser. 

Interestingly, one of the musicians he worked with on the set last year was percussionist Denver “Feluke” Smith who died in September from colon cancer. Congo Billy and Hector Lewis, a member of Chronixx’ band, also contributed to “Nyahbinghi Christmas”. 

 Fraser and his team put a Rasta feel to classics like “When A Child is Born”, “Virgin Mary”, “First Noel” and “Feliz Navidad”. 

Over the years, Fraser has recorded a number of instrumental solo albums. They include interpretations of songs by Marley and Brown.

Written By Howard Campbell