Biography
St. Croix is well
known for producing countless talented roots reggae
singers. Just as the reggae world has begun to embrace
V.I. artists like Midnite, Dezarie, Abja, Army, Batch
and Ras Attitude, there are many others whose talents
are legendary in the VI but have yet to be exposed to
the wider world. Danny I is one such artist whose
underground following is about to break the soil with
his epic release on I Grade Records, Unchangeable
(November 2007).
Danny I, born Luis Daniel Gomez, was born and raised in
the La Grande Princesse area of St. Croix, USVI. After
graduating from high school in 1992, Danny I spent three
years in the US military. Upon his return to St. Croix,
he began his musical odyssey by teaming up with Army and
Jahold to form the band, Sacred Science. It was with
these two similarly smooth-voiced singers that Danny I
recorded his first release – the combination song
"Yesterday's News" on Army's debut album. Shortly
thereafter, Danny I released four outstanding songs on
the compilation, Eastbound Vol. II (2000) – one of which
("Soldier") was later re-released on the renowned
compilation series, Crucial Reggae From Outside of
Jamaica (Skank Records).
With this solid foundation of tunes under his belt,
Danny I released his first album, JAH FURY, with Iyah
Ites Productions in 2001. The 14 songs on this album
were heartfelt roots gems that showcased Danny I's
mystical songwriting that has the rare combination of
depth and simplicity. Since this debut release, Danny I
has appeared on three acclaimed roots compilation
albums, WAKE UP CALL (SPM Records 2003), TALKIN ROOTS II
(Mt. Nebo Records 2005) and EASTBOUND III (Iyah Ites
Prod. 2007).
Danny I's artistic mission is to "write songs that make
us look into ourselves so that we can correct what we
need to live up." This mission is fully accomplished on
his second release, UNCHANGEABLE. The 16 songs on this
album present a wide range of topics and riddim styles,
while all flowing together with a common vibration of
renewal and reconciliation. With guest appearances by
Midnite and NiyoRah and with production by I Grade
Records, Million 7 and Studio 340, Unchangeable is a
roots masterpiece that will bring Danny I's crucial
messages to the four corners. |
