Bermuda's musicians aren't sitting back and depending on the establishment for support anymore.

They are getting into studios and producing very good quality original music.

Since 1998, we have seen a steady flow of high quality original recordings flood local music store shelves, and that trend is not even close to slowing down any time soon!

We ain't gonna stop peeps ... so let's just get used to it, and celebrate our artists like the rest of the world celebrates theirs.

One local artist that is very much something to celebrate is Carly Don.

1998's `On A Mission' is arguably the best album ever recorded by a local artist.

And although he's been relatively quiet ever since, the level of professionalism and artistry that he projects whenever you hear his voice, is exceedingly impressive.

Carly Don is the voice behind no less than three of the songs on Robert Edwards' latest Ep, entitled simply, `It's About Time!'

First let me say that this disc was not what I expected.

Robert has been working with Bermuda's premier songstress for years, and this is definitely not the kind of music that Miss Gita Blakeney is known for.

That's not to say that this music is not good - it is - it just wasn't what I expected, that's all.

The disc opens with a somewhat ambitious cover of the Marvin Gaye masterpiece `Mercy Mercy Me,' which features the sweet vocals of Carly Don and the smooth (yet sometimes unnatural sounding) raps of Denukker.

This is a smooth track that will put smiles on many faces, but not mine.

Perhaps it would have been better to give this piece an entirely new title and state in the credits that it used elements of the Marvin Gaye standard.

I get very uneasy when folks start covering timeless pieces ... this cover is not worthy (sorry Bob).

This track was released on the excellent `On A Mission' as the more aptly titled `Mercy Mercy Medley' ... a far better decision.

`Beggin' is an original song written by George Allen and Robert Edwards and performed by Georgeo (Allen).

The lyrics are a bit pathetic, but in reality, aren't most love song lyrics kind of pathetic? This is a solid love song with a charming melody and an extremely sweet delivery.

Good stuff.

`Want To Love' is another sad `Want to Love' is another sad love song (not really, I just wanted to get in my Toni Braxton reference).

This is one of those Mack Daddy pieces that sad fellows lip-sync when they don't know what to say. Eugene `T' Tuzo handles the smooth rap-to-make-the-ladies-melt with considerable style, Lonnie Bascome lays down the background vocals, and the melody is like silk. A very solid love song (did I just contradict myself?).

The next track sounds like something that would have ruled the airwaves back in 1984 or so.

Rickeesha Burrows blesses the track on `All For You' with the kind of confidence only serious folks have. Her delivery is on point, but the song sounds dated.

The bassline is quite infectious but the electronic effects only serve to hinder the song's impact. The Ragga Mix is quite a bit better, and is thankfully included (track 9).

`You've Got A Friend' was also originally released on the aforementioned `On A Mission'.

It is a cover of a Carole King song, and the version included here is decidedly inferior to the version released in 1998. This alternative version is interesting, however, and besides, it shows the development of a local star (this version was recorded prior to the release of the 1998 album version). Something for the archives.

Georgeo strikes again on the beautiful `All Alone'.

This piece features a soul shaking bassline and lyrics that are aimed straight at the heart ... a real modern day tearjerker. Written by Bob and George Allen and sung by Allen, this is a special piece that shows just how good locally produced songs can be.

Then there's `Stay'. By far the most outstanding song this disc has to offer. Written by Lonnie Bascome and Robert Edwards and sung with unrestricted passion by Carly Don, this piece is destined to become a timeless Bermudian love song.

This piece is worth the price of the disc alone, and Carly Don needs to be acknowledged and celebrated for his immense talent ... period!

`I Promise To ...' is the only piece on the disc not sung by a Bermudian voice. George Allen and Robert Edwards wrote the song, but the smooth voiced Gordon Dukes laid down the vocals. This is another timeless Bermudian love song.

The kind of high quality love song that people fall in love to everyday.

Acoustic guitar, organ chords, melodica wails, Congo drum riffs and a whole lot of really good lyrics make this piece somewhat of a quiet hurricane ... wow.

The last song is the Ragga Mix to `All For You', so for all intents and purposes, this piece is the last original track on the disc, and what a way to close out a remarkably solid collection of Bermudian gems (including the uncut ones).

This disc was produced by Robert Edwards and the crew at The Scadafi Sound recording studio. `Stay' and `I Promise To ...' were recorded in New York, the rest of the songs were recorded right here in Bermuda.

`It's About Time' is available in all fine music store locations across the island.

Please don't sleep ... get the disc and support local art! How many times do I have to tell you?