Sometimes you can find good music in an unexpected place.  A few years ago, I found this CD in a used bookstore section of music for three dollars.  I don’t know why I bought the CD. I have to admit that I’m not a reggae fan.  What???  Marion, are you serious?  I got this CD because it has some of my favorite jazz musicians on this project.

However, I have listened to the CD quite a bit over the years and this album adds a jazz version to Marley’s music that got my attention. My favorite song on the CD is No Woman, No Cry sung by Jonathan Butler.  Butler is one of the best jazz and gospel singers in contemporary music.  He delivers on one of Marley’s best ballads.

Other favorites include Exodus sung by Lisa Fischer (she is known for her hit song, How Can I Ease The Pain), Could You Be Loved sung by the wonderful Patti Austin and Marc Antoine on guitars, So Much Trouble sung by Phil Perry and Rick Braun on the trumpet, Get Up, Stand Up with Lee Ritenour on guitars and Dave Grusin on piano and Redemption Song sung by Richard Bona and Michael Brecker on saxophone rounds out my favorites.

A Twist of Marley is not a perfect CD and reggae purists will have a problem with this project. However, I’m a jazz guy and really enjoyed this twist on Marley’s biggest songs.  It is a CD that can be played at a dinner party with friends or in the background at a nice restaurant.  I have played this one quite a bit since I bought a few years ago and when I want to chill out it has filled a musical need that has been much appreciated.