Veteran reggae crooner Norman Espeut is serving up good vibes and even better life advice with his uplifting new single, Stress Free — a breezy, feel-good anthem that’s all about protecting your peace and living your best life.
“The concept came from me thinking about what meaningful contribution I could make through my music to the all-important issue of good health,” Espeut shared.
And the reggae legend is practising exactly what he preaches.
These days, the former Kotch frontman says he’s steering clear of habits that can wreak havoc on the body and mind, including excessive drinking and second-hand smoke, while embracing a more balanced lifestyle.
“My research has shown me that most ailments are often stress-related, hence the aim for a long, healthy life is to be Stress Free,” he explained.
The infectious new track was recorded at Sonic Sounds Studio, owned by former drummer Steve Lee, with Espeut handling writing and production duties alongside celebrated keyboard maestro Herbie Harris.
For reggae lovers, Espeut needs little introduction. The singer remains one of the most beloved voices in Jamaican music history thanks to his unforgettable run with Kotch, the reggae outfit that lit up charts in the early ’80s with the smash hit Jean.
More than four decades later, the song still has fans swooning.
“To date, everywhere I go, fans speak to that endearing love for Jean, which is a song that I wrote,” Espeut said proudly.
Kotch also found international success with silky reggae renditions of the Force MDs’ Tears and Smokey Robinson’s Cruising, helping cement the group’s status as one of reggae’s smoothest acts.
“Another big song for Kotch was the cover of Tears, which in fact was the song chosen by the late great Sly Dunbar,” Espeut recalled. “Tears is also a strong fan favourite, but nothing compares with the enduring love of Jean.”
Now flying solo, Espeut says the response to Stress Free has been overwhelmingly positive, with streaming numbers steadily climbing and a music video already in the works.
“The feedback on the single has been excellent! The song is streaming well and I will be shooting a music video as well to boost the promotion,” he revealed.
And for longtime fans still dreaming of seeing Kotch reunite? Espeut says never say never.
“A Kotch reunion is a definite possibility,” he teased. “I have been around long enough to know that you should never say never.”
While the group may no longer function as a unit, Espeut says the members have remained close throughout the years, maintaining what he describes as a “good family relationship”.
Family, in fact, sits at the centre of Espeut’s world these days.
The reggae veteran beams when talking about his children, revealing that fatherhood remains one of his proudest accomplishments.
“I pride myself on having a great relationship with my kids. We converse a lot, do family holidays — the full 100,” he said.
With Stress Free, Espeut isn’t just making music — he’s delivering a soulful reminder that peace of mind may just be the ultimate luxury.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.jamaicaobserver.com ’
