BARTHOLOMEW, 4 members, is a high impact showcase party band. We have both a unique sound
(blend of calypso/reggae rhythms of the caribbean with traditional rock modern/classic) and an arsenal of very popular covers
both twisted (to our unique style) and nailed (AS IS). Add this infectious sound to our entertaining and gripping showstopping
performance which includes virtuoso piano and 1st chair violin playing to classics from the 70's and 80's and you
are sure to have an unforgetably memorable night of fun and romance.
A much loved
UK reggae talent with an astonishing voice and unnerving ability to pen a pop smash, the early 90s saw McLean launch himself
into the high end of the British charts with a string of top ten hits. Born in 1972, the youngest of six children and so called
because of his small stature at birth, Bittys earliest memories were punctuated with the music he would hear courtesy of his
fathers sound system. Tutored by the greats from The Clovers, Nat King Cole, Jackie Edwards, John Holt, Johnny Clarke, Bob
Marley, Burning Spear and Justin Hinds, it wasnt long before the young McLean was beginning to emulate his heroes by singing
over Jamaican Dub and Instrumental riddim tracks accompanied by his brother. It would still be a couple of years before he
graduated beyond the microphone and family stereo set-up. By the early 80s and inspired by the new dancehall sounds of Little
John, Barrington Levy, Sugar Minnott, Black Uhuru and Michael Prophet, the teenage McLean soon began to gain notoriety performing
on some of Birminghams top sound systems. By the time it came to leaving school McLean had his heart set on following his
dream of pursuing a career in music. Bitty McLean Enrolling on a sound engineering course at a local college, he was taught
by lecturer Alan Caves who had worked with local reggae band UB40. Caves saw Bittys potential and subsequently put Bitty forward
for a job as tape op at UB40s DEP International Studio and by the start of the 90s McLean had not only co-produced but played
and sang on UB40s internationally successful album Promises And Lies which had world sales in excess of 8 million. From the
start and during quiet times in the studio Bitty would find time to record his own material and it was one of these late night
sessions Dedicated To the One I Love, Here I Stand, True True True and It Keeps Rainin were all recorded. With an advance
of 500 pounds courtesy of Ali Campbell, Bitty pressed up 500 white labels one of which he sent to radio promotions exec Neil
Ferris who instantly saw its potential. Setting up the Brilliant Recording Company as an outlet for McLean, Ferris set to
work introducing the UK to this unknown vocal talent. By the end of 1994 McLean had notched up 3 top ten singles with It Keeps
Rainin (number 2), Here I Stand (number 10) and Dedicated To The One I Love (number 6) with similar success around the world.
The subsequent years saw Bitty accrue a fearsome catalogue of top 30 singles, as well as playing three UK arena tours with
the likes of UB40, Wet Wet Wet and Simply Red. On Bond Street the last album from Bitty McLean, was full circle as he returned
to the original influence of the music he listened to as a child. Duke Reids Treasure Isle rhythms formed the basis of the
album with cool Rocksteady tempos and beautiful arrangements courtesy of the (late) legendary saxophonist Tommy McCook. Bitty
complimented these 30 year old backing tracks as Artist and Enginneer with such elegance it was hard to believe he was not
there when the tracks were originally recorded. 2006 finds Bitty Mclean in a major collaboration with the worlds greatest
riddim section no other than Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.The trio are recording MOVIN' ON, a brand new studio album
alongside some of Jamaica's finest Musicians. The album is due to be released the Fall of 2007. The first release finds
Bitty on Sly and Robbies "Hold On to What You Got" riddim in unmistakable "Bitty lovers mode" Mr McLean's
songwriting is impecable as always. A double AA side The Real Thing/All That I Have has risen to the top of Reggae charts
throughout the World. The follow up single "Lately" on the TAXI riddim, is a cover of Stevie Wonder's
hit. It is set for release in April 2007 and has already been hailed in dances...
Black Lion hails from St. James, and has been preparing for stardom from the age of ten when he began working with
Kangol International (a sound system from Montego bay).He continued his work with sound systems when he came to Kingston and
had stints on African Symbol and the famous Youthman Promotion. In the early he worked with artists such as Yami Bolo and
White mice and in fact his first stage name was Black Mice. At ten , he recorded his first song, ’Sit still’ for
Rock Stone Production. He continued to perfect his performing skills by appearing on numerous concerts and stage shows in
Kingston and St. James. He relocated to St. James and became one of the leading locals acts in the region appearing on all
major events including Reggae Kwanza , All Schools Jam and Reggae Sunsplash. In 1995 Black Mice gave way to Black Lion as
the St. James star found Rastafari through an intense spiritual journey which changed his life. Bouyed by his new found spiritual
awakening Black Lion redirected himself to his music. His first recording as a Rastafarian was ’ Grow Your Locks’.
He soon found a mentor in reggae legend Beres Hammond and spent the last couple of years under his guidance and recording
for Hammond’s Harmony House Label also doing a duet with Hammond. During this period he wowed the audiences at many
concerts including Reggae Sumfest and had the distinction of appearing at the Festival seven times. Black lion’s first
hit single ’ Push Lady push’ has recieved consistent airplay and critical acclaim. He performd gigs in Canada
and made a lasting impression with his explosive performances. Another single which recieved heavy rotation on Irie Fm is
’Rasta Nah involve Inna No Robbery’ which was produced by Fabian Francis of Undeniable Records. Black lion whose
given name is Kenroy Williams see’s his music as a Universal message and not limited to his religious beliefs."You
can’t put your personal religious belief in every song" declared the singer. He wants to work with some friends
in Hip Hop such as Outkast, TI, Busta Rhymes and Carl Thomas."I love dancehall and it is great but one drop reggae is
more universal and long lasting so I want to stick to that but I want to do some Crossover stuff to reach different and wider
markets". Black Lion cites Stevie Wonder , Black Uhuru and Reginal belle as his influences. A very skilled Kette drummer
, he is currently working on his guitar skills and still writing new songs for his craft with explosive stage performances,
the singer / songwriter / drummer is ready to make his mark.
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