"Little Boy Blue" by Idumea (World Artist from South America)

Idumea's "Little Boy Blue" is ideal mood Latin music with complementing styles of rock, folk, and well balanced with a fusion of styles. Delicate and tender, the vocals are delivered with relaxed ease while the moving lyrics have a story to tell. Distinctive Latin rhythms splashed with calming melodies flow from song to song. The titled track "Little Boy Blue" is a folk song arranged with the tone of a nursery rhyme featuring sweet and thoughtful lyrics while layered with acoustic guitar and subtle soft strings. The alluring guitar showcases Latin fusion influences in "Danza Del Sol" with subdued synth sounds and rich and solid percussion. This group has developed an album filled with an assortment of arrangements alternating from track to track which gives the listener a pleasurable and unique musical experience. "Little Boy Blue" is an exquisite, relaxing production with the ambiance of Latin flair and hints of folk and rock styles.

-Diane And the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out BIdumea's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check Out This Talented World Artist

 

 

Band Name: JR's Socalypsoreggaeroc / jrsoca
Band Location: New Jersey
Sounds Like: Andy Narell / Arrow / Sparrow
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

 

Check Out This Talented World Artist

 

 

Band Name: Jan Wouter Oostenrijk (JWO)
Band Location: Unknown
Sounds Like: Santana, cheb Khaled, Dhafer youssef, Karim Ziad,
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

 

Check Out This Talented World Artist

 

 

Band Name: Lenka Lichtenberg
Band Location: Unknown
Sounds Like: Kate Bush, Chava Alberstein, Iva Bittova
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

 

Check Out This Talented World Artist

 

 

Band Name: Evan Adamafio
Band Location: New Jersey
Sounds Like:
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

 

Check Out This Talented Reggae Artist

 

 

Band Name: The Ummanotty Project
Band Location: Missouri St. Louis
Sounds Like: Frank Zappa
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

 

"I've Got Joy" by Errol and Kaye Leslie (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Errol and Kaye Leslie with a GrIndie Award for the CD "I've Got Joy"

Jamaica natives Errol and Kaye Leslie are at it again with their outstanding gospel reggae anthems on "I've Got Joy." Combining the southern gospel tradition with upbeat Caribbean rhythms and island beats, Errol and Kaye sing about the importance of Jesus in the world today in a very unique and uplifting way. The energizing arrangements and excellent vocal dynamics, with Errol's booming bass and Kaye's more gospel-oriented alto, take the serious lyrics and somehow turn them into songs that you want to put on a Hawaiian shirt and dance to. Go ahead and try lifting your hand to the sky and sadly wavering back and forth; it's impossible. "I've Got Joy" is well-recorded and the arrangements and vocals alike sound clean and professional. The title track, "I've Got Joy," is a song about the grace and love of Jesus and the joy that it brings and features Errol and Kaye's great vocal dynamics, rhyming lyrics, and a rhythmic horn, drum, and guitar arrangement. "Holy, Holy, Holy" appears to combine a more Caribbean version of Ace of Base's "I Saw the Sign" with the traditional hymn with a vocal performance led by Errol's booming voice. "I've Got Joy" is an excellent and unique album that makes worship fun and even danceable. Fans of gospel reggae or those searching for good music with a Christian message should definitely check out Errol and Kaye Leslie. -Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Errol and Kaye Leslie's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Expressive Moods" by IFARI (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

RadioIndy is pleased to present IFARI with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Expressive Moods"

"Expressive Moods" is a roots reggae rock album from Guyana native IFARI that features nine uplifting and spiritual tracks. IFARI is Robert Carroll, who brings great reggae vocals and creative experimental arrangements to the table while singing songs of faith and self-realization. "Expressive Moods" features great beats, some excellent bass guitar work, guitar, keyboard, and a variety of other instruments IFARI experiments with, including whistling. The recordings sound great and clean, realizing the full sound IFARI dreamt up with each track. "Hail I" is a slower song featuring keyboard and a great beat, as Carroll sings about freedom and praising Jah. "Conquering Lion" has a great arrangement with horns, a driving beat, keyboards, and a nice bass lick. Not only that, it possesses great lyrical imagery, and has a catchy chorus. Overall, "Expressive Moods" is an impressive album highlighted by the spirituality in the arrangements, lyrics, and vocals. Fans of faith-based roots reggae rock should give IFARI a listen.-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out IFARI 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Shadow of a Dim Light" by IFARI (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

RadioIndy is pleased to present IFARI with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Shadow of a Dim Light"

IFARI's "Shadow of a Dim Light" is an upbeat roots reggae album filled with catchy tracks that inspire creativity and overall wellbeing. Currently residing in Florida but originally from Guyana, IFARI brings a refreshing, true reggae sound and great poetic songwriting to the States. "Shadow of a Dim Light" is filled with strong words and solid arrangements focused on both a great musical and spiritual experience. The album's production value is very good as well, and it sounds great, with all the instruments having equal representation in the mix. Highlights include the title track, "Shadow of a Dim Light," which kicks things off with a great hook and melody that reel you right in. "Wife and Pickney" brings an instant smile to your face with an uplifting progression and another great melody. "Congo" features a grooving bass line and nice percussive elements. "Shadow of a Dim Light" is an overall success that well-blends great musicianship with inspiring lyrics. If you are a fan of inspiring reggae that is true to it's roots, give IFARI a shot. -William
Check out IFARI's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Spit Hot Fire" by Spit Hot Fire (Reggae Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Spit Hot Fire with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Spit Hot Fire"

"Spit Hot Fire" self titled album is a stellar throwback to the reggae dub rock mix that reigned supreme in the 90's. The arrangements are fantastic in the album, with a great mix of reggae styles that feature heavy bass lines and melodic vocals. The album is chock full of upstrokes, head nodding drum beats and creative harmonies. The stand out track is "Good morning" which brings about the urge to want to roam the famous Orange County beaches as these east coasters fill your ears with sounds made famous by bands like Sublime, 311 and The Long Beach Dub All-Stars. Other highlights are the opener "Poet on Payday", which bangs right into it with a big electric reggae riff, and "October Night", with it's gritty bass line and catchy melody. Hey Ska fans, these guys are your new favorite band.-Ross
Check out Spit Hot Fire's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"State Of Our Affairs" by Solomon (Reggae Artist from Trinidad and Tobago)

RadioIndy is pleased to present SOLOMON with a GrIndie Award for the CD "State Of Our Affairs"

"State Of Our Affairs" is a great roots rock reggae album from Trinidad and Tobago's own Solomon. Though his vocal performance is true to the roots reggae tradition popularized by Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley, Solomon's musicianship expands beyond reggae genre and into the pop, rock, and world realms. No matter the creative choice, the arrangements are solid and centered around excellent guitar work. Solomon is renowned for his lyrical expressiveness and content that toes the line, as he sings about faith and Rastafarianism, race relations, women, and the Caribbean. "State Of Our Affairs" is well-produced and sounds clean and professional. The opener, "Am I of God" is a great roots rock reggae number with a great arrangement and lyrics about faith and religion. "Some Want It All" has a great bass line that fuels the track, an accompanying piano and guitar arrangement, and profound lyrics that offer the Native Caribbean's perspective on Caribbean tourism. Solomon is a promising artist for the future of reggae, as well as of reggae/rock fusion, who offers outstanding, thought-provoking lyrics and great, diverse accompaniments. Fans of roots reggae and reggae/rock fusion should definitely give Solomon a listen.-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out SOLOMON's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Shine Your Light" by Kush4711 (Reggae Artist from Nevada (NV))

"Shine Your Light" is the debut release from Jamaica-born reggae artist Kush4711. The songs on this album are truly inspirational. Kush4711's lyrics range from socially aware songs about the unification of Africa and the common good of mankind to religious songs about giving it all to Jah, including Jewish religious imagery as well. The arrangements are original, using a reggae foundation and combining it with urban grooves and occasional gospel vocals, making the songs both danceable and relaxing, depending entirely upon your mood. Kush4711's delivers with a great reggae vocal, and the backing vocalists add a nice element to the sound. "Shine Your Light" is well-recorded, and the album sounds clean. The title track, "Shine Your Light" is an upbeat track with a nice reggae rhythm, a catchy chorus, and great backing vocals. "13 Tribe" is a catchy track with great vocal layering and religious imagery. The album closes with instrumental versions of "Killing," "Miracle," and "New Jerusalem," highlighting the arrangements and their extreme danceability. Overall, "Shine Your Light" is an impressive and inspired debut from a budding talent, and any fan of urban reggae should pick this one up.

-Chris and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out kush4711 E's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"New Life" by Errol and Kaye Leslie (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Errol and Kaye Leslie with a GrIndie Award for the CD "New Life"

"New Life" is the third gospel reggae release from impressive writer/composer duo Errol and Kaye Leslie. Originally from Jamaica, but currently taking up residence in Florida, Errol and Kaye smoothly incorporate Caribbean reggae rhythms into their gospel songs for their music ministries. The result is twelve upbeat and rhythmic tracks about the importance of Jesus in our day to day existence and the necessity of putting one's life into God's hands. Errol and Kaye, combined with the backing vocalists, create some great vocal dynamics on this album. Errol has a great booming bass reggae vocal, and Kaye a strong alto more lenient to the gospel end of the sound. "New Life" features great production quality. It sounds very clean and makes you feel as though you are in a Caribbean tent revival. "Caribbean Gospel Medley" defines Caribbean gospel perfectly with an attention-getting beat, great vocal layering, and lyrics about redemption. The title track, "New Life," is an Elvis-esque southern gospel track with great booming doo-**** vocals from Errol, more great vocal layering, and a classic arrangement. Overall, "New Life" is an accomplishment, as it combines the fun, upbeat sounds of the Caribbean with serious and heartfelt gospel lyrics. If the fusion of reggae with gospel appeals to you, I strongly recommend that you check out Errol and Kaye Leslie.-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Errol and Kaye Leslie's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Compilation Disc" by The Fabulous Stroka Band (World Artist from The Virgin Islands(VI))

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Fabulous Stroka Band with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Compilation Disc"

The Fabulous Stroka Band have kindly compiled all of their greatest hits on one release, simply entitled "Compilation Disc." Straight out of the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Fabulous Stroka Band plays world music with an island and Caribbean flavor, incorporating r&b, hip-hop, and Latin elements into their sound as well. Listening to this album makes you feel like you should be sipping daiquiris beneath a large umbrella, looking out into the crystal blue water from a beach in the Caribbean. The songs are upbeat, with catchy lyrics, great rhyming verses, extreme danceability, and are sung whole heartedly with a great world music feel in strong Caribbean accents. "Compilation Disc" is well-recorded and ready to burst through the speakers, poolside or beachside. "Why Oh Why" is a song in hope of a better world with quickly-delivered rhyming verses and a simple melodic chorus. "Baila," considered one of the hottest songs in the Caribbean, has a great island feel with more fact-paced rhyming verses, alternating lyrics between English and Spanish, and embodies an overall catchiness. You can't help but sing and dance to it. Fans of world music with an island flavor, break out the Hawaiian tee and check out The Fabulous Stroka Band.-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out The Fabulous Stroka Band's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"The Dub7 E.P. by 27 Lights (Reggae Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present 27 LIGHTS with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Dub7 E.P."

"The Dub7 E.P." is a three-track prequel to an upcoming full-length release from reggae rock outfit 27 Lights. All three tracks feature the calculated upstrokes of the traditional reggae sound, though there are clear alternative and psychedelic elements within these songs. One aspect of their sound that makes 27 Lights stand out is their ability to disperse jam sessions throughout the EP that are fresh, listenable, and danceable. The reggae inspired vocal performance, combined with the arrangements, sound similar to Bob Marley, Incubus, and RX Bandits. The production quality of "The Dub7 E.P." is perfect for this type of recording. It's not too overproduced and focuses on the natural rawness of their sound. "Flat a Dub" begins with a seventy-five second reggae-inspired jam then introduces 27 Lights' vocalist with the repetitive line, "Where did you go." "India" has some great rhyming verses and a sound you can't help but dance to. "Pakalolo" has a psychedelic bass opening, some more great rhymes, and nice solo guitar work. "The Dub7 E.P." certainly wets the appetite for things to come from 27 Lights with its three original and memorable tracks. Fans of reggae rock, give this EP a listen.-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out 27 LIGHTS's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Kingfish Riddim" by 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. (Reggae Artist from Ontario, Canada)

RadioIndy is pleased to present 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Kingfish Riddim"

"Kingfish Riddim" is the premier roots reggae compilation from an up-and-coming music label entitled 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. Featured on this album are established, legitimizing reggae artists that include Richie Spice, Richie Stephens, Glen Washington, and Pliers, as well as up-and-coming 5 Rivers artists Jahsmin and ChilliRootz. It appears that 5 Rivers created a single arrangement with piano, horns, and a great reggae vibe and asked various reggae artists to dub their own version of the track. The result is thirteen tracks full of positive and meaningful lyrics, many involving love, that discuss political, spiritual, and cultural aspects of life. This compilation is well-produced, with each track maintaining the raw roots reggae feel while giving the vocal performances a clean sound. "Love for Jah" plays off of the arrangement with spiritual lyrics about love and unity. "A Wha Dis" features a female vocalist that sings about spreading the love through music. "Kingfish Riddim" is a promising compilation from 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. that lures you with established artists and gives you a feel for what to expect from their own artists and the label in general. Fans of Bob Marley, Wyclef Jean, and roots reggae should pick up this compilation and keep an eye out for more 5 Rivers releases.-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc.'s music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Congratulations on GrIndie Award

RadioIndy is pleased to present Istan Blacks & The Sweets & Friends with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Universal Love"

"Universal Love" by Istan Black & The Sweets & Friends is a smooth R&B/reggae album full of wonderful performances from a healthy lineup of musicians. The album combines the optimistic idealism of reggae with the slick sweetness of R&B. The arrangements lean more toward the reggae end of things, but the R&B elements add a dimension that makes the sound truly unique. The songs have a big full sound, with lots of interesting musical layers and unique instrumentation. The diversity between tracks is also quite noteworthy as each song is a new adventure. The album is very well produced and these songs are definitely radio ready. Highlights include the opener "Universal Love 1," which kicks off the album with a bang and introduces all the elements of the sound, with great performances all around. "Good Feelings" is very stylistic and features a nice range in the lead vocal performance and a creatively quirky arrangement. "Family Ties" hits home right away with a memorable riff and a great message. If you enjoy reggae that has a lot of style put together by talented performers, give this great collection a try.-William
Check out Istan Blacks & The Sweets & Friends 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Silhouettes" by Kathryn Woodard (World/Piano Artist from Texas (TX))

"Silhouettes" by Kathryn Woodard features her exploration of classical cross cultural piano music. Kathryn demonstrates dynamic feelings with a strict sense of time. Each piece gives the feeling that a story is being told, despite the fact that there are no lyrics. The piano has a mellow but crisp inviting sound that is soothing to the body and mind. The recording quality brings out the brightness and clarity of the upper register keys while the lower keys are deep and rich. "Seven Poems, No. 2," an upbeat piece, presents a flowing chromatic scale on the upper keys, trills and turns, and a tremolo on the bass keys. "Silhouettes: Stravinsky" has a great staccato feel. Contrary motion is heard throughout this lively piece and the dissonance between notes is pleasing to hear. "Silhouettes" is a fantastic album, as each song has its own uniqueness and style with tempos varying from slow and serene to upbeat and happy.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Kathryn Woodard's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Path of the Heart” by David Zeller (Spiritual/World Artist from Israel)

"Path of the Heart" is the remastered version of Rabbi David Zeller's debut, first released in the '70s, and a multifaceted album filled with inspiring songs of love and spirituality. Zeller breeches different cultures, languages, and types of song to deliver seventeen heartfelt, sentimental, and uplifting tracks that are sure to touch your heart. This release is well-produced, and its remastery assures the best listening experience of these songs. "Path of the Heart" is primarily a traditional folk album, with Zeller's soft tenor voice delivering thought-provoking and touching lyrics. The songs are happy, spiritual, and in touch with nature. Some highlights include "'Tis the Gift," "I Circle Around," and "Sometimes It's Easy," a song about laughing, happiness, and life's struggles, with a memorable chorus: "Everybody's got to have them some happy's." The Rabbi also digs into the Judaic musical repertoire with the simple and beautiful "Shalom" and "A Chassidic Melody." What's more, Zeller opens the album with some beautiful Native American flute work on the track "Listen Listen Listen." Other songs are more hymn-lenient, but they all share the qualities of having come straight from Zeller's heart. Fans of spiritual traditional folk should definitely pick up "Path of the Heart."

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out David Zeller's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Renaissance of Grace” by Aurora Juliana Ariel (World Artist from Hawaii(HI))

"Renaissance of Grace" is the beautiful solo debut from Hawaiian new age/gypsy artist Aurora Juliana Ariel. Centered around the exotic, sensual, and worldly vocals of Ariel, and with the help of multi-instrumentalist and backing vocalist Bruce BecVar, this album delivers nine solid new age songs that fans of the genre and new age newcomers alike can thoroughly enjoy. The musical arrangements are led by stunningly and skillfully styled fingerpicking acoustic guitar work, though they incorporate a number of exotic and worldly instruments, such as the flute, violin, and percussive instruments, as well as light ambience, to perfectly accompany Ariel and BecVar's stellar vocal performances. The songs are mystical, transcendent, and uplifting, and take you to a happy place. "Renaissance of Grace" is well-recorded with a great balance of vocals and arrangements, and has a great sound for wine tastings or relaxation. "Breathless Wind" is a slow-paced track with some flute work, an excellent fingerpicking guitar arrangement, and great vocal harmony between Ariel and BecVar. "Under a Shiva Moon" has a solid arrangement with nicely layered rhythm and lead guitars, a nice beat, and immaculate dueling and harmonic vocals between Ariel and BecVar. "Renaissance of Grace" is truly an incredible debut from Aurora Juliana Ariel with something to offer not only new age and world music fans, but also music fans in general.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Aurora Juliana Ariel's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Antìpodi” by Andrea Esposito (World Artist from Italy)

"Antìpodi" by Andrea Esposito is a collection of beautiful acoustic guitar and double-bass duo pieces that incorporate a variety of styles and influences including classical, flamenco, Brazilian, and jazz. The guitar style of Esposito is complimented extremely well by the double-bass of Luca Chiaraluce, with each musician contributing to each composition both individually as well as collectively. The majority of the tunes have a theme, followed by an improvisational section, and then a finale. Listen to the fittingly titled "Freedom," a prime example of their ability to stay within the harmonic structure of the tune while also having the freedom to improvise. Chiaraluce provides a spacious groove, allowing Esposito to weave his guitar lines through the framework of the song. "Beijo" is a gorgeous bossa-nova piece, with Esposito providing a beautiful melody over Chiaraluce's supportive, continuous groove. The Flamenco-influenced "Zàngola" is another fantastic track, offering a brilliant melody and a danceable rhythm. "Senza Rete" is of a free, ethnic nature, creating an airy, stimulating mood and texture. The Brazilian flavor of "Ansia" features a great swinging rhythm and spirited interaction between the two musicians. This music would be appealing to fans of jazz, acoustic, and new age music, as well as most anyone who enjoys improvised instrumental music.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Andrea Esposito 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Shine Your Light” by Kush4711 (Reggae Artist from Nevada (NV))

"Shine Your Light" is the debut release from Jamaica-born reggae artist Kush4711. The songs on this album are truly inspirational. Kush4711's lyrics range from socially aware songs about the unification of Africa and the common good of mankind to religious songs about giving it all to Jah, including Jewish religious imagery as well. The arrangements are original, using a reggae foundation and combining it with urban grooves and occasional gospel vocals, making the songs both danceable and relaxing, depending entirely upon your mood. Kush4711's delivers with a great reggae vocal, and the backing vocalists add a nice element to the sound. "Shine Your Light" is well-recorded, and the album sounds clean. The title track, "Shine Your Light" is an upbeat track with a nice reggae rhythm, a catchy chorus, and great backing vocals. "13 Tribe" is a catchy track with great vocal layering and religious imagery. The album closes with instrumental versions of "Killing," "Miracle," and "New Jerusalem," highlighting the arrangements and their extreme danceability. Overall, "Shine Your Light" is an impressive and inspired debut from a budding talent, and any fan of urban reggae should pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out KUSH4711 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars” by Mokyo Octet (World Artist from Japan)

"Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars" is the superb instrumental world fusion debut from the Mokyo Octet. Now a four-piece, all of the instrumentations and compositions on this particular album can be attributed to composer/oudist/guitarist Paul N. Dorosh. With "Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars," Dorosh has crafted seven excellent and uniquely organic tracks that combine traditional Middle Eastern oud, which is a variation on a lute, with modern guitars and electronica beats. The resulting sound varies from track to track, some sounding like jazz fusion and others merely juxtaposing the traditional Middle Eastern sound with modern electronica. It all sounds excellent, and the recording quality really captures Dorosh's careful musical layering. "Running, Sightless" is aptly titled since it features frantic and excellent oud work and displays Dorosh's talent both as a composer and an oudist. "Crustacean" closes out the album nicely with a great jazz fusion track with acoustic guitar and Dorosh's oud work resembling that of a jazz bass line. "Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars" is an exceptional debut from Mokyo Quartet that leaves you eager to hear what the now-expanded group will put out next. Fans of Middle Eastern music and world fusion should certainly look into this album.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Mokyo Octet's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“I've Got Joy" by Errol and Kaye Leslie (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

Jamaica natives Errol and Kaye Leslie are at it again with their outstanding gospel reggae anthems on "I've Got Joy." Combining the southern gospel tradition with upbeat Caribbean rhythms and island beats, Errol and Kaye sing about the importance of Jesus in the world today in a very unique and uplifting way. The energizing arrangements and excellent vocal dynamics, with Errol's booming bass and Kaye's more gospel-oriented alto, take the serious lyrics and somehow turn them into songs that you want to put on a Hawaiian shirt and dance to. Go ahead and try lifting your hand to the sky and sadly wavering back and forth; it's impossible. "I've Got Joy" is well-recorded and the arrangements and vocals alike sound clean and professional. The title track, "I've Got Joy," is a song about the grace and love of Jesus and the joy that it brings and features Errol and Kaye's great vocal dynamics, rhyming lyrics, and a rhythmic horn, drum, and guitar arrangement. "Holy, Holy, Holy" appears to combine a more Caribbean version of Ace of Base's "I Saw the Sign" with the traditional hymn with a vocal performance led by Errol's booming voice. "I've Got Joy" is an excellent and unique album that makes worship fun and even danceable. Fans of gospel reggae or those searching for good music with a Christian message should definitely check out Errol and Kaye Leslie.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Errol and Kaye Leslie 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Expressive Moods” by IFARI (Reggae Artist from Florida)

"Expressive Moods" is a roots reggae rock album from Guyana native IFARI that features nine uplifting and spiritual tracks. IFARI is Robert Carroll, who brings great reggae vocals and creative experimental arrangements to the table while singing songs of faith and self-realization. "Expressive Moods" features great beats, some excellent bass guitar work, guitar, keyboard, and a variety of other instruments IFARI experiments with, including whistling. The recordings sound great and clean, realizing the full sound IFARI dreamt up with each track. "Hail I" is a slower song featuring keyboard and a great beat, as Carroll sings about freedom and praising Jah. "Conquering Lion" has a great arrangement with horns, a driving beat, keyboards, and a nice bass lick. Not only that, it possesses great lyrical imagery, and has a catchy chorus. Overall, "Expressive Moods" is an impressive album highlighted by the spirituality in the arrangements, lyrics, and vocals. Fans of faith-based roots reggae rock should give IFARI a listen.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out IFARI's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Shadow of a Dim Light" by IFARI (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

IFARI's "Shadow of a Dim Light" is an upbeat roots reggae album filled with catchy tracks that inspire creativity and overall wellbeing. Currently residing in Florida but originally from Guyana, IFARI brings a refreshing, true reggae sound and great poetic songwriting to the States. "Shadow of a Dim Light" is filled with strong words and solid arrangements focused on both a great musical and spiritual experience. The album's production value is very good as well, and it sounds great, with all the instruments having equal representation in the mix. Highlights include the title track, "Shadow of a Dim Light," which kicks things off with a great hook and melody that reel you right in. "Wife and Pickney" brings an instant smile to your face with an uplifting progression and another great melody. "Congo" features a grooving bass line and nice percussive elements. "Shadow of a Dim Light" is an overall success that well-blends great musicianship with inspiring lyrics. If you are a fan of inspiring reggae that is true to it's roots, give IFARI a shot.

-William & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out IFARI's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Spit Hot Fire" by Spit Hot Fire (Reggae Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

"Spit Hot Fire" self titled album is a stellar throwback to the reggae dub rock mix that reigned supreme in the 90's. The arrangements are fantastic in the album, with a great mix of reggae styles that feature heavy bass lines and melodic vocals. The album is chock full of upstrokes, head nodding drum beats and creative harmonies. The stand out track is "Good morning" which brings about the urge to want to roam the famous Orange County beaches as these east coasters fill your ears with sounds made famous by bands like Sublime, 311 and The Long Beach Dub All-Stars. Other highlights are the opener "Poet on Payday", which bangs right into it with a big electric reggae riff, and "October Night", with it's gritty bass line and catchy melody. Hey Ska fans, these guys are your new favorite band.

-Ross & The RadioIndy.com Review Team

Check out Spit Hot Fire's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“State Of Our Affairs” by Solomon (Reggae Artist from Trinidad and Tobago)

"State Of Our Affairs" is a great roots rock reggae album from Trinidad and Tobago's own Solomon. Though his vocal performance is true to the roots reggae tradition popularized by Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley, Solomon's musicianship expands beyond reggae genre and into the pop, rock, and world realms. No matter the creative choice, the arrangements are solid and centered around excellent guitar work. Solomon is renowned for his lyrical expressiveness and content that toes the line, as he sings about faith and Rastafarianism, race relations, women, and the Caribbean. "State Of Our Affairs" is well-produced and sounds clean and professional. The opener, "Am I of God" is a great roots rock reggae number with a great arrangement and lyrics about faith and religion. "Some Want It All" has a great bass line that fuels the track, an accompanying piano and guitar arrangement, and profound lyrics that offer the Native Caribbean's perspective on Caribbean tourism. Solomon is a promising artist for the future of reggae, as well as of reggae/rock fusion, who offers outstanding, thought-provoking lyrics and great, diverse accompaniments. Fans of roots reggae and reggae/rock fusion should definitely give Solomon a listen.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out SOLOMON's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Compilation Disc" by The Fabulous Stroka Band (World Artist from the Virgin Islands(VI))

The Fabulous Stroka Band have kindly compiled all of their greatest hits on one release, simply entitled "Compilation Disc." Straight out of the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Fabulous Stroka Band play world music with an island and Caribbean flavor, incorporating r&b, hip-hop, and Latin elements into their sound as well. Listening to this album makes you feel like you should be sipping daiquiris beneath a large umbrella, looking out into the crystal blue water from a beach in the Caribbean. The songs are upbeat, with catchy lyrics, great rhyming verses, extreme danceability, and are sung whole heartedly with a great world music feel in strong Caribbean accents. "Compilation Disc" is well-recorded and ready to burst through the speakers, poolside or beachside. "Why Oh Why" is a song in hope of a better world with quickly-delivered rhyming verses and a simple melodic chorus. "Baila," considered one of the hottest songs in the Caribbean, has a great island feel with more fact-paced rhyming verses, alternating lyrics between English and Spanish, and embodies an overall catchiness. You can't help but sing and dance to it. Fans of world music with an island flavor, break out the Hawaiian tee and check out The Fabulous Stroka Band.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“New Life” by Errol and Kaye Leslie (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

"New Life" is the third gospel reggae release from impressive writer/composer duo Errol and Kaye Leslie. Originally from Jamaica, but currently taking up residence in Florida, Errol and Kaye smoothly incorporate Caribbean reggae rhythms into their gospel songs for their music ministries. The result is twelve upbeat and rhythmic tracks about the importance of Jesus in our day to day existence and the necessity of putting one's life into God's hands. Errol and Kaye, combined with the backing vocalists, create some great vocal dynamics on this album. Errol has a great booming bass reggae vocal, and Kaye a strong alto more lenient to the gospel end of the sound. "New Life" features great production quality. It sounds very clean and makes you feel as though you are in a Caribbean tent revival. "Caribbean Gospel Medley" defines Caribbean gospel perfectly with an attention-getting beat, great vocal layering, and lyrics about redemption. The title track, "New Life," is an Elvis-esque southern gospel track with great booming doo-**** vocals from Errol, more great vocal layering, and a classic arrangement. Overall, "New Life" is an accomplishment, as it combines the fun, upbeat sounds of the Caribbean with serious and heartfelt gospel lyrics. If the fusion of reggae with gospel appeals to you, I strongly recommend that you check out Errol and Kaye Leslie.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“The Dub7 E.P.” by 27 Lights (Reggae Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

"The Dub7 E.P." is a three-track prequel to an upcoming full-length release from reggae rock outfit 27 Lights. All three tracks feature the calculated upstrokes of the traditional reggae sound, though there are clear alternative and psychedelic elements within these songs. One aspect of their sound that makes 27 Lights stand out is their ability to disperse jam sessions throughout the EP that are fresh, listenable, and danceable. The reggae inspired vocal performance, combined with the arrangements, sound similar to Bob Marley, Incubus, and RX Bandits. The production quality of "The Dub7 E.P." is perfect for this type of recording. It's not too overproduced and focuses on the natural rawness of their sound. "Flat a Dub" begins with a seventy-five second reggae-inspired jam then introduces 27 Lights' vocalist with the repetitive line, "Where did you go." "India" has some great rhyming verses and a sound you can't help but dance to. "Pakalolo" has a psychedelic bass opening, some more great rhymes, and nice solo guitar work. "The Dub7 E.P." certainly wets the appetite for things to come from 27 Lights with its three original and memorable tracks. Fans of reggae rock, give this EP a listen.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Kingfish Riddim” by 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. (Reggae Artist from Ontario, Canada)

"Kingfish Riddim" is the premier roots reggae compilation from an up-and-coming music label entitled 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. Featured on this album are established, legitimizing reggae artists that include Richie Spice, Richie Stephens, Glen Washington, and Pliers, as well as up-and-coming 5 Rivers artists Jahsmin and ChilliRootz. It appears that 5 Rivers created a single arrangement with piano, horns, and a great reggae vibe and asked various reggae artists to dub their own version of the track. The result is thirteen tracks full of positive and meaningful lyrics, many involving love, that discuss political, spiritual, and cultural aspects of life. This compilation is well-produced, with each track maintaining the raw roots reggae feel while giving the vocal performances a clean sound. "Love for Jah" plays off of the arrangement with spiritual lyrics about love and unity. "A Wha Dis" features a female vocalist that sings about spreading the love through music. "Kingfish Riddim" is a promising compilation from 5 Rivers Entertainment Inc. that lures you with established artists and gives you a feel for what to expect from their own artists and the label in general. Fans of Bob Marley, Wyclef Jean, and roots reggae should pick up this compilation and keep an eye out for more 5 Rivers releases.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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"Universal Love" by Istan Black & The Sweets & Friends (Reggae Artist from New York(NY))

"Universal Love" by Istan Black & The Sweets & Friends is a smooth R&B/reggae album full of wonderful performances from a healthy lineup of musicians. The album combines the optimistic idealism of reggae with the slick sweetness of R&B. The arrangements lean more toward the reggae end of things, but the R&B elements add a dimension that makes the sound truly unique. The songs have a big full sound, with lots of interesting musical layers and unique instrumentation. The diversity between tracks is also quite noteworthy as each song is a new adventure. The album is very well produced and these songs are definitely radio ready. Highlights include the opener "Universal Love 1," which kicks off the album with a bang and introduces all the elements of the sound, with great performances all around. "Good Feelings" is very stylistic and features a nice range in the lead vocal performance and a creatively quirky arrangement. "Family Ties" hits home right away with a memorable riff and a great message. If you enjoy reggae that has a lot of style put together by talented performers, give this great collection a try.

-William
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“Native Slovak” by David Martinka (World/Instrumental artist from Michigan (MI))

 

"Native Slovak" is a flute-infused instrumental world music album from flutist extraordinaire David Martinka. With this album, Martinka digs deep into his flute repertoire and presents the listener with classic flute styles inspired by both Native Slovakian and Native American flute courting styles. Some of the sounds Martinka creates are familiar and clear, like those one would expect from an woodwind ensemble. Others are drastically different, tribal sounding, and similar in sound to the didgeridoo. The songs on "Native Slovak" are pure, powerful, and spiritual and match the emotional feeling that each song title suggests. The album is also very well recorded, so the listener doesn't miss a single note. "Rodný Slovák (Native Slovak)" opens the album with an intense Native American sound that gives the listener a feel for the entire album, created by Martinka's use of the Fujara to give much of the song that didgeridoo-esque sound. "Do videnia dievča (I will See Her Soon)" is a mellow, calming, and emotional track with a more orchestral flute sound that tells the story the song title suggests. Overall, "Native Slovak" is an impressive album that shows Martinka's talent as a flutist on a variety of different flutes. If you enjoy world-class flute playing that tells a good story, check out "Native Slovak."

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Now's The Time" by Chetenge (Reggae/World artist from Jamaica)

"Now's The Time" is the four-track CD single from female vocalist Chetengé that alternates between two genres that she clearly has her head around; smooth R&B and reggae. This single is broken down and remixed in four different ways – a smooth R&B vocal, an island reggae vocal, a hip-hop/R&B instrumental and a primarily instrumental reggae version with an occasional note or two from Chetengé. The song itself is catchy and clearly of single caliber, with the melodic chorus, "Now is the time to let my love be heard/I've been waiting in silence forever." Chetengé's vocals are versatile and sound natural when she matches both the R&B and reggae sounds. Chetengé produced this single herself and all four tracks are well-mixed and of excellent quality. "Now's the Time (Rub-a-Dub Mix)" uses a traditional reggae beat that gives a nice, relaxing island feel. "Now's the Time (Rnb Instrumental)" highlights Chetengé's production skills as she takes a break from the vocals and lays down a nice hip-hop beat with R&B elements. As a CD single, "Now's The Time" takes a catchy song and remixes it four times to show Chetengé's vocal and production talents. For fans of female vocalists, smooth R&B and reggae, "Now's The Time" to check out Chetengé.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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