Jamaican artist Ian “Beezy” Coleman has released a new version of the reggae classic “How Could I Leave,” originally recorded by The Sharks in 1968 and later covered by Dennis Brown in 1977 as “How Could I Leave.” Coleman’s self-produced rendition of the song was unveiled in late August and has been making waves in the reggae music scene.
Coleman, a talented guitarist and singer, was inspired to cover the song while in the recording studio. He explained that the idea came to him during a moment of downtime, and he decided to record it on the spot without making any changes to the original composition. In addition to providing vocals and playing guitar, Coleman also contributed percussion and backing vocals to the track.
Accompanying Coleman on the recording are drummer Squiddly Cole, bassist Devon Bradshaw, and keyboardist Chadian Monroe. The collaboration resulted in a fresh take on the classic reggae tune, showcasing Coleman’s musical talents and his deep connection to the spiritual themes of the song.
Originally written by Dwight Pinkney, guitarist for The Sharks, “How Could I Leave” delves into the Biblical concept of leaving one’s family to be united with a partner. The song’s powerful message resonated with listeners and became a major hit when Dennis Brown released his version in the late 1970s.
Over the years, “How Could I Leave” has seen various interpretations, including a fiery toast by Prince Mohamed (George Nooks) on Brown’s version and a flamenco-flavored instrumental rendition by trumpeter Micky Hanson in 1994. Coleman’s latest cover adds a new chapter to the song’s rich history and reaffirms its timeless appeal to reggae fans worldwide.
As a veteran musician who has performed with the likes of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers and Stephen Marley, Coleman brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his interpretation of “How Could I Leave.” His version pays homage to the original while also adding his own unique flair, making it a must-listen for reggae enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
