Yaz Alexander - Reggae Princess

How many times can we use the term "legendary female reggae artist" and mean it genuinely. It's a term that we can certainly apply to former I-Threes' vocalist, Marcia Griffiths and more recently to the "frank and candid ," Tanya Stephens. And there's no question that there's been many-a-brilliant female reggae vocalist down the years. E.g. Phyliss Dillon, Cynthia Schloss, Dawn Penn, Judy Mowatt, Sandra Cross, Caroll Thompson, Janet Kay etc. And in the modern era, names like Fiona, Diana King, Sasha, J.C. Lodge, Sylvia Tella, Queen Omega et al will resonate in most quarters - and rightly so. However, there is one glaring omission from those lists and that's the name, Yaz Alexander.

Based in Birmingham, UK. Yaz Alexander is a vocal force to be reckoned with. Her performances are characterised by a passion and energy for her music that captivates and commands audiences under her hypnotic-like spell. Already established as one of Britain's most in-demand session and backing vocalists, Yaz is now ready to forge her own path as a solo artist and is definitely a name to watch out for and a performer not to be missed.

Yaz has toured across great chunks of the globe as a part of International reggae star, Pato Banton's touring Reggae Revolution entourage. Her partnership with Banton began in 1990 and two years later she joined him and friends including, Ranking Roger, Macka B and David 'Skippah' Largie on vocals for his album Universal Love. She also contributed vocals to his 1996 album, Stay Positive - co-writing the track One People. "I learned my craft over the years through countless studio and live sessions etc., Pato gave me the blessed opportunity to perform on many a stage in various beautiful parts of the world. His support has been invaluable throughout my musical journey and he is an absolute pleasure to work with." Touring has taken Yaz to Australia, all four corners of the United States, South America, South Africa, criss-crossing Europe and the Far East including Singapore and Malaysia.

Besides working with Pato, Yaz has collaborated on no less than three albums with Grammy Award winners, Steel Pulse, providing sweet backing vocals and harmonies for these giants of reggae. She first guested on their 1991 album, Victims and on the tracks Grab A Girlfriend and Feel The Passion, before joining the band on the Back To My Roots track from the 1994 Vex album. For Pulse's Rage & Fury album in 1997, Yaz contributed to House Of Love - where she accompanied Ruby Turner on Peace Party and Black & Proud.

Yaz's passionate style is born out of her profound love of both reggae and jazz music and is equally at home in both genres. Hitherto she has collaborated with luminaries of the calibre of The Mighty Diamonds, Eddy Grant, Peter Hunnigale, Vivian Jones, Nerious Joseph, Musical Youth, Mercury Prize Award winner Soweto Kinch and veteran jazz legend, Andy Hamilton.

Apart from touring and working extensively in the field, Yaz has managed to release several solo and independent singles over the years, ranging from covers of Soul II Soul's classics, Keep On Moving and Back To Life, to original material such as Freedom (2003) and a track that personifies Yaz's commitment to principle and conscientiousness - This World (2004). Yaz's profile typifies her moniker (reggae princess) so much so, she was chosen as the Midlands' face for the BBC's 2003 'Roots' campaign - an initiative to help raise the profle of multi-cultural talent.

In June 2004, Yaz supported South Africa's reggae superstar Lucky Dube - in the United Kingdom. The gigs, in London and on home territory at The Drum, Birmingham were a great opportunity for Yaz to debut and showcase her single, This World, by then already released on Jamaica's, Tuff Riddim recording label as a part of The Gumption Band's, Kotch It! Riddim Compilation - which also includes contributions from Morgan Heritage, Junior Kelly as well as Brian & Tony Gold.

Since then and hitherto, Yaz has been performing consistently at various showcases and festivals around the UK, unleashing her charisma, dynamism and magnetism onto many unsuspecting - but gratified audiences. Yaz is currently working on her latest album which is scheduled for release in July 2007. For more information on this hugely talented and mesmeric performer, visit Yaz's personal webspace at www.myspace.com/yazalexander.