Impressions: A Week in New York with Ky-mani Marley

Photos by Justin Pallack

Ky-mani Marley recently came to New York for a slate of performances to celebrate the release of his new album, Maestro, and LargeUp was there every step of the way. The singer hit Gurney’s Resort in Montauk for an acoustic performance on the beach Sunday; brought out Gentleman, Matisyahu and Skip Marley for his album release show in Manhattan’s (Le) Poisson Rouge on Monday; and, finally, took the stage at the United Nations for “The Transformative Power of Music” event inside the UN’s General Assembly Hall on Tuesday night.

Maestro is Marley’s sixth album and his first in seven years, and he went all out for the launch, making his presence felt throughout the city with radio and TV appearances, and a talk with Sirius XM host Pat McKay at the Apple Store in Soho. His first performance of the week took place right on the sand at Gurney’s Beach Club on Sunday afternoon, with support from Rice and Peas’ DJ Gravy and Micro Don and the always- brilliant No-Maddz. The event was a great success in spite of the storm clouds and rough surf that loomed off in the distance, but never could spoil the good vibes.

On the eve of Maestro‘s release, Ky-mani previewed his latest work with a packed crowd at New York City’s Le Poisson Rouge, once again with DJ Gravy on the ones and twos and Micro Don on the mic. This dynamic duo kept the crowd rocking until Ky-mani took the stage, accompanied by visuals for his singles “All the Way” and “Get High.” Gentleman and Matisyahu (who was also celebrating his Earthstrong) also took the stage alongside Marley, treating the crowd to an energetic performance of their new single, “We Are Free.” Backed by his band, Marley also paid tribute to his late father Bob Marley with tunes such as “Is This Love” and “Redemption Song,” which naturally had the whole audience vibing along. Before the Maestro could truly call it night, he capped off the affair by welcoming his nephew, Skip Marley, to the stage, proving that the talented Marley lineage continues to run strong.

Of course, the most epic moment had to be saved for last. The week’s final live performance took place inside an epic setting in the main hall at the headquarters of the United Nations, as musicians from five continents and a wide range of musical genres took part in the “The Transformative Power of Music” event. Several were backed by the New York Symphony Orchestra, including including Ky-mani, who gave two separate performances, and was joined once again by Gentleman and Matisyahu. Follow Ky-mani’s big week in Justin Pallack’s photo series below.