Grammy winner collabs with US singer/musician

Grammy-winning Jamaican producer and keyboardist Llamar ‘Riff Raff’ Brown, who has produced and played on major reggae albums, including Damian Marley’s Stony Hill and Morgan Heritage’s Strictly Roots, recently collaborated with American singer and flautist Kateri Farrell.

Their collaboration, titled Take My Time, was released on July 3 via Riff Raff/Dubshot Records. A soulful and refreshing reminder to slow down, trust the process and move through life at a smooth tempo, the song opens with the enchanting sound of Kateri’s flute before unfolding into her warm and captivating vocals. The song also explores the temptation to rush decisions, chase emotions and force outcomes before their time.

Riff Raff explained that he invited Kateri to play flute on some tracks that he had produced for other artistes, and realised that she could sing.

“So we decided to make a few songs,” said Riff Raff. “It was pretty easy working with Kateri. Despite not having a ton of releases, her being a trained and skilled musician makes things a bit smoother in terms of translation of ideas.”

Kateri was just as complimentary about working with Riff Raff, calling it “an incredibly rewarding experience”.

“His unique insight and keen attention to detail made the process very easy and exciting. We work well together.” said Kateri.

She said that the song was written during a major transition in her life when she was navigating big changes.

“I’ve always been someone who needs to take my time when making decisions, so this song, and chorus especially, has become an anthem for me as I come to a place of peace and acceptance with this. I hope this song serves as a reminder to others to trust the journey, give yourself grace, and embrace the freedom to move through life at your own pace,” said Kateri, who has toured as a vocalist and flautist.

This is the first time that she has worked with a Jamaican producer. The Minneapolis raised artiste said the music of Bob Marley was what sparked her interest in reggae music.

“I’ve always been pulled to groove-based, soulful rhythms from genres like motown, jazz, funk and soul, and became fully immersed in reggae when I joined Stephen Marley’s band. I fell in love with the soulful phrasings and passion of reggae vocals, so writing over reggae riddims feels very natural for me.”