A member of one of Jamaica’s most celebrated music families, Robert “Dubwise” Browne has recorded and toured with A-listers like Shaggy, Sly and Robbie, Lauryn Hill and Maxi Priest. Seven years ago, the guitarist began work on a deeply personal project.
‘M.O.M. (Memories of Mother’), his third album, was recently released. It is dedicated to the memory of his mother, Elaine Marie, who died in 2016.
“It’s very personal because the songs are inspired by the passing of my mom. I’ve never had a whole project centered around my actual life situations or experience before this one,” said Browne.
There are 10 instrumental songs on ‘M.O.M.’ including ‘Elaine Marie’, ‘Beautiful in June’, and a cover of Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in Heaven’. The latter was released in 2023.
‘Beautiful in June’ features The Browne Bunch, which comprises Browne’s father Glen on bass, as well as his uncles Clevie (of Steely and Clevie) on keyboards, Dalton and Danny on guitars. Dalton, who was the longtime musical director for Freddie McGregor, died in 2020.
“I’m always humbled and honored in their presence. Witnessing how they work out their harmonies and how they just naturally blend well together, it’s always a joy to experience them in action,” Browne disclosed.
Robert Browne and his twin brother Richard (aka Shams), who plays bass, carried on their family’s tradition as session and touring musicians. They are also in-demand producers. ‘Robert Dubwise: Birth’, Robert’s first album, was released in 2004. Six years later came his second album, ‘Electrifying Grooves of DiVersion’.
