Junior Reid’s son releases instrumental album
Song titles inspired by the Bible
Published:Tuesday | February 22, 2022 | 12:06 AMSade Gardner/Staff Reporter
Musician Russell Reid is showcasing the strength and versatility of JR Productions on his instrumental album, Russell Reid Vol. 1.
The label, founded by his father veteran singer Junior Reid, released the nine-track set in December.
“Junior Reid is a producer who produced many tracks for artistes, and he doesn’t get enough recognition for that, so JR Productions deserves to have an instrumental album consistently,” the 21-year-old told The Gleaner. “I’d just like to give my father thanks and flowers because God, through him, has given me the opportunity to even make this album because before 2020, my sound was completely different.”
Primarily raised in the United States, he once went by the moniker Ran$um, a hip hop producer with a reggae-flavoured signature. His sound ultimately evolved to include elements of jazz and R&B, but his brand changed in 2021 when he embraced Christendom and decided to make music that glorifies God.
Russell Reid Vol. 1 could easily be deemed a time warp to the funk, R&B, jazz, and reggae and dancehall fusion of the ‘80s and early ‘90s.
“I love and appreciate music before my time, whether it’s ‘80s or even music from the ‘60s,” he shared. “A lot of my inspiration comes from being in Jamaica. Jamaica is a place where you hear all types of music … . If you’re in the States, you’re not going to hear ‘80s music playing like that unless you’re around specific areas. Jamaica is a major inspiration and influence to my sound.”
Reid is also intentional about injecting his faith throughout the album, evident on productions like Water to Wine, Perfect Peace, and Joy.
“The names are inspired just by the Bible and my personal walk with Christ,” he said. “Word is power, and the Bible says the tongue has the power of life and death and they who love it shall be rewarded, so I just try to use my words to be edifying, not only to myself, but everyone.”
He credited his grandmother for teaching him to put God’s kingdom before all else and pays homage to her with the album cover, which captures him as a baby at her house. He thanked his parents and family for their encouragement and support and said that the overall feedback to the project has been positive.
“I’m very thankful and grateful,” he said. “I hope that it will inspire others to expand their range and taste for music. I hope that whatever vibes people are getting from the music, that it resonates with them. Above all though, I hope it gives God the glory because I’ve made mistakes before, so I’m just trying to do my best.”
With the Reid family being known for their talent, it comes as no surprise that he is adding to their rich musical legacy.
“I loved music from I was a youth,” he said. “I always wanted to do something which would be encouraging, strengthening, and uplifting to the community. So whether it was a swimming instructor or a psychologist or anything in between, as long as it’s honouring God, honouring my family and both my parents, I was okay with it, but music is what I love ... .”
His first instrumental album was For Christ’s Sake, which he released in 2020.