Reggae Round-up

by J$ 3:48 PM 0 comments

This one is long overdue. As many of you who know me know, I listen to Reggae music pretty much constantly, so today I've thrown together a post of all things Reggae.  Let's get to it!

 First off, one of my all time favorite bands, SOJA.  These Arlington, Va based Reggae rockers have been very busy this summer.  As well as scoring the cover of last month's Pollstar Magazine, recording a track with 311 (in case you missed it, download it FREE here), recording a new album (due out January), they have also scored a major record deal with ATO Records (home of Dave Matthews Band, WSP, My Morning Jacket, JBT, and Umphery's to name a few). Check out this interview with Jacob Hemphill (vocals/guitar) by Angelica Music, where they discuss where the band has been and where they are going.  SOJA is currently wrapping up a tour in support of O.A.R. and will be heading down to South America this winter. Expect big things from theses guys.

 

Next up we have the Savannah, GA based Rock/Reggae outfit Passafire.  They have been hard at work in the studio this year readying the release of their fourth full length album titled Start from Scratch.  It would seem that they couldn't have made a more appropriate choice in album titles, as they have gained a new member, started their own record label, and hired a new producer.  The new album hits stores on September 20th, the first two tracks are available for your streaming pleasures here, and if your in the mood for some live tunes they are currently on a massive tour in support of Start from Scratch, dates available here.

Guam native Chris Boomer, has also been quite busy this summer.  After being "discovered" by SOJA's Jacob Hemphill while on tour in the states, and making an appearance on last years the Born In Babylon album on the track 'You and Me', Boomer has gone out and put his beautiful vocals to good use.  Early this year he released his first ever album titled I Am What I Am.  The album is an unflinching statement on individualism complete with guest appearances from SOJA and plenty of nice acoustic tracks.  Its available over at Amazon, check out the first single below. 

Lastly Rebleution was recently featured on a tribute album for Bob Marley.  The album is called Tribute to a Reggae Legend, and is available at Amazon.  As well as Rebleution covering 'Natural Mystic' there are a bunch of other great interpretations of Marley's classic sound, including appearances by Northern Lights and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars.  Check out 'Natural Mystic' below.