FOLLOWING his success with ‘Welcome to the Isle of Wight,’ possibly the Island’s first reggae song and a massive hit on the internet, Derek Sandy is releasing his new album ‘Brighter Day’ on May 28.

A big party night at the Studio in Newport is planned for the launch night. “It’s gonna be a really exciting night – loads of fun,” said Derek. “It’s gonna be the party to launch the summer.”

This is Derek’s second album release since moving to the Island in 2002. His first was ‘Dancing in Heaven’ and the single ‘Welcome to the Isle of Wight’ sold over 3,000 copies, along with its worldwide viewing on YouTube.

In his native country of Trinidad and Tobago Derek began singing at school and in church at the tender age of five. In 1978 he sang in the same concert as the late, great Bob Marley.

Derek has worked on the new album with local music producer Jonathan Parkman who has also played some of the instruments along with mixing the album.

The feature track is called ‘Brighter Day’ and is about looking forward to a better time when the world will be a happier place.

Other tracks include ‘2000 and Beyond’, ‘Dirty Harry’, ‘Forgive Me’ and love song ‘Baby Don’t Cry’. There are a couple of calypso numbers, but most of the tracks are the reggae dance numbers for which Derek is so well known.
There’s always a lot of dancing going on when Derek Sandy gets up to sing and he will be starting the season at the Sands Hotel this weekend. You’ll be seeing him over the summer at many events including the Old Gaffers and the Garlic Festival.

Tickets for the May 28 launch at the Studio in Newport are only £5 and available from the Studio cafÈ, Spaced Inc and Island Photo Centre in both Newport and Ryde, Holliers Hotel in Shanklin and Sandown News. Under 18s do need to be accompanied by an adult.