TIDE7

I was raised on the vibrant island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and I'm a musician whose music reflects a lifetime of diverse musical influences. From reggae, calypso, and soca to jazz and the traditional Virgin Islands sound of quelbe, my journey has been shaped by a deep connection to rhythm and culture. In my early years, I performed with several local bands and acclaimed musicians, steadily honing his craft and finding my own unique voice.

After earning a formal education in music, I embraced both performing and teaching, ultimately serving in the U.S. Army band. My path as a songwriter began with a collaboration alongside Kevis George that produced the songs Cruzan Beauty and One I Love.

In the years that followed, life’s demands led me to step back from songwriting. Yet time, as I have come to understand, waits for no one. That realization sparked a period of reflection and renewal, ultimately inspiring me to return to my music with a sense of urgency and purpose. The result is this new album, Now or Never—a bold declaration to stop deferring dreams and fully embrace the present.

A dynamic collaboration with one of my former students, musician/vocalist JARED, Now or Never flows seamlessly across smooth jazz, reggae, gospel, and a touch of funk. Together, JARED and I bring to life a rich and soulful collection of songs, including the track Time Waits for No One, each piece echoing our roots and artistic evolution.

I hope this album will light a spark in you—to take that step you’ve been postponing, to chase that dream you’ve been holding close, and to do it with the urgency of Now or Never.
 

Born in Vallejo, California, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Jared Driskell is a gifted singer-songwriter whose soulful sound is a rich tapestry of jazz, Gospel, R&B, pop, and neo-soul influences. Growing up in the Sunshine State, Jared was exposed to a variety of musical styles that would shape his artistry and fuel his passion for music. Inspired by legends like Luther Vandross, The Winans, Andraé Crouch, Anita Baker and Michael Jackson, Jared has honed his craft and carved out a unique sonic identity that captivates audiences. With a smooth vocal delivery and an impeccable ear for melody, Jared's music resonates with listeners, transporting them on a journey through love, loss, and self discovery. Keep an eye on this rising star, as he continues to make waves in the music industry and redefine the boundaries of contemporary R&B.

Kevis George is a gifted vocalist hailing from the scenic island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a diverse musical palette that spans genres such as Soca, reggae, R&B, funk, and smooth jazz. After spending several years exploring and gaining experience on the U.S. mainland, Kevis returned to the Virgin Islands, settling on St. Croix. It was here that he became an integral part of the local music scene, eventually crossing paths with musician, saxophonist, and songwriter Kenn Cassius.

 Their shared passion for music led Kevis and Kenn to collaborate, forming the group "PHUN." Together, they wrote and released two tracks, “Crucian Beauty” and “One I Love,” on a 45-disc record in 1985. After a lengthy hiatus, the duo decided to reignite their musical journey, completing what they began decades ago. Kevis and Kenn have reunited to release a new EP titled Somethin’ Goin’ On, featuring four fresh tracks, two of which were penned forty years ago.

 The title track, delivered by Kevis with a soulful, pop-reggae style, exudes romantic vibes and sets the tone for the EP. This is followed by “You,” the first song they wrote together, where Kevis shines in an upbeat dub reggae style, delivering the lyrics with precision. The EP continues with “Good Company,” a smooth jazz piece that highlights Kevis’s adeptness in the genre. Concluding the EP is “Dem Deh Don’t Care,” a Jamaican-style reggae track sung in the local Crucian dialect, reflecting life on his beloved island of St. Croix.

 Kevis and Kenn's Somethin’ Goin’ On is a vibrant and modern collection of songs that captures the essence of their collaboration, offering a refreshing sound to both old fans and new listeners alike.