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May. 8, 2008 -  Artist: Living Stone Album: Blood, Sweat and Tears Genre: Roots Label: Living Stone CD $15.99 Our Price Only $9.99 Download Album $9.99 ALBUM DESCRIPTION: You first heard their hit song "Heaven" on "Boomshots! The Best of the Underground." They are one of the hardest working gospel reggae bands in America and their debut album is currently all-the-buzz on MySpace. From Riverside, California, it is the gospel roots reggae band Living Stone! Their sound is organic, yet rustic roots. It's raw an, unfiltered and unpolished niceness with vocals in the tradition of the Israel Vibration, Culture and Burning Spear. Special guest background vocalists include 'Imisi and Jennifer Howland from Christafari. Self produced by lead singer Mario Rocha, this release is aptly titled "Blood Sweat and Tears for it truly was a labor of love. Order your copy today! SHOP NOW --> http://www.gospelreggae.com  Artist: Jason Mighty Album: Cornerstone Genre: Roots / Dancehall / Ragga Hip HopSoca/Punta/Calypso Label: Jason Mighty CD $15.99 Our Price Only $14.97 ALBUM DESCRIPTION: "Cornerstone" may be Jason Mighty's full-length debut, but he is no newcomer to the gospel reggae ranks. After all, who hasn't heard Prodigal's "World Changer," "Ketch a Fire," "I'm Free," and "See Jesus Yah"? And who can't sing along with the chorus of "Turning Around," "Mr. Mention" and "Christmas Time Again" with DJ Nicholas? If you recognize any of these songs, then you are very familiar with the melodies of the effervescent Jason Mighty. Singer/singjay/deejay extraordinaire Jason Mighty has been featured on numerous compilations throughout the years ("Recharge", "Scroll V2" and "YOW" 3 and 4) and artist projects (Prodigal Son and DJ Nicholas). He has been a mainstay on Mainstreet's productions and has had major success doing duets with the top artists in the Jamaican dancehall scene. As is typical with most Jamaican gospel singers, on his freshman release Jason tries his hand at a wide array of musical styles from roots to dancehall and everything in between. He sings over bubbling roots rhythms on tunes like "Angel", "Why You Love Me So" and his break-away single "Can't Walk This Life Alone". He flows over a niyabinghi beat on the praise ballad "Be Magnified". On "Fill This Place" he even sings a passionate gospel ballad. He also touches the urban side of things with Raggamuffin hip-hop cuts such as "God Alone We Praise," "When Nobody Cares" and "Senorita" featuring a rap by Promise. As is expected, there is also plenty of upbeat dancehall on this project-after all, Kingston is the birthplace of its hypnotic beats. Full of charisma, Mighty sings dancehall praise with songs like "Hallelujuh," "Ready" (featuring Prodigal Son) and the infectious "Want One Soul" with DJ Nicholas--I just can't seem to get that melody out of my head! In my humble opinion, it's songs like this and his hardcore dancehall cuts where Jason really hits his stride. Singers and deejays are so prevalent in Jamaica these days, but it is rare that an artist can do both with style and dexterity. Given this, it's the fiery songs like "Repent", "God's For You" and "Careful" (feat. Goddy Goddy) that reveal Jason's greatest strength--His uncanny ability to flip from deejay to singjay to singer with the greatest of ease and skill. Two of my favorites songs are the militant "DaVinci Code" and the playful "Never Seen," where it Mighty is reminiscent of Major Mackerel. Reggae music possesses the undisputed ability to touch the spirit, the soul and the body regardless of face, creed, color or nationality. Singer, songwriter, minister, Jason Mighty (his real name) is revolutionizing gospel reggae with his unique mix of dancehall, praise and worship. Blending smooth, distinct vocals with musical hooks and slurs that can appease the most discerning listener; Jason imparts a glimpse of a genuine relationship with his Savior to the forefront of his songs. Order your copy today! SHOP NOW --> http://www.gospelreggae.com  Artist: Dominic Balli Album: Public Announcement Genre: Roots / Dancehall / Ragga Hip Hop CD $15.99 Our Price Only $11.99 Download Album $9.99 ALBUM DESCRIPTION: For over two decades I have been accused of being a reggae purist and am guilty as charged. Perhaps it all started when I was a teenager and first visited the sweet island of Jamaica. Ever since then I have gravitated towards the reggae-sounding tracks of any artist that I heard from the Culture Club to Elvis Costello and Fishbone to Bad Brains. As a youth I would find the most unique reggae tracks and make mixtapes of the artist's only reggae songs. It's all around us you know? Elements of reggae in pop music. One of the bands that took it the furthest into the mainstream was the Police with Reggatta de Blanc (White Reggae). Since then countless artists have ventured into reggae if just for a song whether they are hip-hop (Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill) or rock (Sublime and POD). But why can't these artists who bless us with an incredible song like 311's "Amber" give us a full-length project to satisfy our soul's yearnings for more reggae? One artist finally has. Enter Dominic Balli. After years of holding my breath for that all-reggae album by POD I exhaled for something so much greater, Dominic Balli's "Public Announcement." I have stopped writing extensive reviews for some time now due to my hectic touring schedule but after just one listen to Balli's inspiring debut I would be amiss to not make a "Public Announcement" of my own. With a sick flat pick and a primal scream, singer extraordinaire Dominic Balli explodes into "Rebel Movement," the militant cry of a revolutionary. Just check out these thought provoking lyrics, "Society's new philosophy is conformity/but they won't conform me," and later... "Presidential election/Or Governmental oppression/We think it's (the) root of the problem/(It's) not the root of the problem/It's (the) depravity in humanity..." Sound doctrine has rarely sounded so sweet!  Next up is the rootsy "Drink For Free" inspired by Isaiah 55, one of my favorite passages in the Bible. This song is also featured on Lion of Zion's forthcoming Reggae Redemption Songs II. On the thought provoking chorus Dominic's passionate vocal inquires, "Why do you spend your money on what is not bread and your wages on what does not satisfy." This powerful track speaks to the heart of this empty generation that struggles with loneliness and a lack of purpose. The song "Sacrifice of Me" collides rock and hip-hop with a turntablist on the ones and twos and a double time guitar chank reminiscent of the Police. It also features two raps; one old school (ala Bone Thugs in Harmony) by band member Jenkins and some new school flow courtesy of Dominic's good friend and member of Shachah, Brenden Proclaim McPeek. Replete with an ethereal bridge this cut is dripping with mainstream potential. The following song "Remedy" grabs you from the onset with a distinct muted guitar intro and Balli's plaintiff cry, "The voices inside keep you up all night I got the remedy." The driving minor key riddim blends perfectly with the wailing vocals and the spitfire chant on the bridge that sounds like Matisyahu on Red Bull! After this is one of the stronger reggae tracks on the album. On "Arise" Balli challenges the listener, "It's time to arise from the plague of the fall to abandon the fear and step up to the call/Move on to something better." With empowering lyrics, Marleyesque wails, and a brilliant arrangement, this is sonic perfection! On "Zion Mourns," Dominic takes us on an acoustic journey to the riverbanks of Babylon. While Psalm 137 may have been sung a thousand times in reggae by the likes of the Melodians and 'Imisi, it has never been sung like this! With new lyrics and a fresh melody, Wyclef wished that he sounded so good. Following this is unquestionably the most addicting song on the album. "All We Need is Love" features a melodic rap by former Gotee artist Paul Wright and some sweet guitar work. The infectious hook, uplifting chorus and angelic vocals by Emily Balli (Dominic's wife) make this track a contender for the perfect crossover single. Speaking of guest appearances, on "Bread for the Broken" Dominic secured a guest slot by Speech of the Grammy Award Winning Arrested Development. This is a massive endorsement--especially for a gospel reggae cut! For those of you who have been living in a cave for the last 15 years, Arrested Development brought us hooks like "I am everyday people," "Mr. Wendal" and the hit song "Tennessee." With Stephen Marley-like vocal inflections Balli wails over a bubbling one-drop riddim while DJ Idull (Braille, James Brown and Arrested Development) cuts and scratches. Track nine is "Warrior" a song that sounds better than POD on their best day. This edgy rock influenced track is sure to see quite a few of POD's Warriors crossover to Dominic's Street team. On "Conquering Lion" Dominic gives us a completely new take on a classic reggae hymn that has been sung by everyone from Lauryn Hill to the late Joseph Hill. Elements of this song (and many others on this project) seem to be inspired by Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu. But While drawing influences from others, Dominic has still managed to create a sound all his own and surpass his musical mentors with superior songwriting, sound doctrine and pitch perfect vocals.  After this Dominic reveals his skills in storytelling. It is so hard to sum up the life of Christ in one moving song, but on "Rise Up" Balli surpassed my greatest expectations! When you buy this album make sure that you pour through the lyrics carefully and you too will get goose bumps. I love Balli's soulful singing over the songs various musical movements that are almost reminiscent of the late Keith Green. Lastly, is an emotional song written about Dominic and Emily's recent loss of their unborn twins, Zion and Hezekiah. These are touching lyrics that are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever lost a loved one. And just when you think the album is done there is a ghost track that is well worth the wait! I am going to be totally honest with you. I have two of the most critical ears of anyone that I know in the industry. I rarely endure the first song (in its entirety) on any album that is sent to me. It is even harder for me to listen down an album from beginning to the end without pressing that magical ">>" button whenever I hear something that makes me cringe. This may have been the first album that I didn't skip forward on since Bob Marley's "Exodus." This CD is incredible! Since I received it I have listened to it over and over again at work, at home and in the car. I am convinced that this album has the greatest crossover potential of any album sold on GospelReggae.com. Dominic is an incredible worship leader at his home church (Reality Carpinteria) and an awesome husband and father with a burning passion for his Lord. Having known him for the last few years I am confident that when he does crossover, (and he will) he will take the CROSS-over with him. It usually takes a new artist a long while to figure out who they are and establish a distinct sound. It often takes more time for them to learn how to write a really good song and even longer to learn how to produce it. On "Public Announcement," debut artist/songwriter/producer Dominic Balli hits a stride rarely reached by established artists on their 5th release! This album is solid from beginning to end. This unique concoction of sounds defies the limitations of genres such as reggae/rock/rap/alternative. It is the most refreshing album to hit this store in years! Simply said--if you don't buy this CD then you need to have a doctor check your ears! Order your copy today!--Review by Mark Mohr SHOP NOW --> http://www.gospelreggae.com  Other recent releases available at GospelReggae.com:  REUBIN HEIGHTS Heights of Great Men CD: $13.97 Download Album $9.99 JOSHUA ALO Answer Your Calling CD: $13.97 Download Album $9.99 LEVITE Hope Is Still Alive CD: $9.97 Download Album $9.99 VIZION Deep Within CD: $11.97 Download Album $9.99 MINISTER BLESSED Purpose CD: $11.97 DOWNLOAD ALBUM: $9.99 ORAL ROBERTS Jesus is the Light $4.99 DOWNLOAD ALBUM: $5.94 ROGE ABERGEL AND KINGDOM CULTURE War $4.99 DOWNLOAD ALBUM: $5.94 BOLA DE NEVE CHURCH Te Vejo Pai CD: $13.97 DOWNLOAD ALBUM: $9.99 ORDER TODAY & GET A FREE GOSPELREGGAE.COM BUMPER STICKER!!! SHOP NOW --> http://www.gospelreggae.com  CHRISTAFARI LIVE IN CONCERT: Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Artist: Christafari Location: Daytona Beach, FL, US Venue: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Beachside Church, Daytona Beach, FL Address: 221 Vining Court Ormond Beach, Florida 32176 Admission: US$10 Contact: Jason - Christian Surfers: earthscape@bellsouth.net Description: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Beachside Church, Daytona Beach, FL. This will be Christian Surfers night and it is going be a lot of Reggae grooves... Starts at 7pm! Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Artist: Christafari Location: Melbourne, FL, US Venue: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Calvary Chapel of Melbourne, West Melbourne, FL Address: 2955 Minton Rd, West Melbourne, FL 32904 Admission: Free! Contact: Melody Glover - Tele: 321-952-9673 Description: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Calvary Chapel of Melbourne, West Melbourne, FL. This will be a one hour set during the Worship Service at CC Melbourne. Brace yourselves for some awesome Reggae Worship! _Starts at 6:45. Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008 Artist: Christafari Location: Estero, FL, US Venue: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Summit Life, Estero, Florida Address: 21105 Design Parc Lane, Estero, Florida, 33928 Admission: US$5 - ONLY! Contact: Contact: Jesus Martinez - Tele: 239-200-8238 - email: deep7roots@hotmail.com - site: http://www.deeprootsreggae.com Description: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Summit Life, Estero, Florida. Deep Roots and Men of Honor will be opening a jam-packed show of the best in Gospel Reggae and Hip-Hop! And only US$5 on the door, I think we have gone mad! Therefore, all Christafari fans in the area, come down for the only show in south Florida this May with this amazing line-up! _Contact: Jesus Martinez - Tele: 239-200-8238 - email: deep7roots@hotmail.com - site: http://www.deeprootsreggae.com. Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008 Artist: Christafari Location: Del Mar, CA, US Venue: Spirit West Coast Festival - Del Mar Address: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. 92014 Admission: $103-125 Contact: SWC Del Mar - 831.443.5399 Description: Christafari will be performing at Spirit West Coast this May at 1pm on the Alternative Stage. The slot is 50 mins of pure Reggae!!! Be early to avoid disappointment!!! _Tickets: SWC Del Mar - 831.443.5399 For further info: http://www.spiritwestcoast.org/delmar/ Date: Monday, May 26, 2008 Artist: Christafari Location: San Antonio, TX, US Venue: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Spring Festival, Rosedale Park, San Antonio, TX Address: Spring Festival, Rosedale Park, San Antonio, TX Admission: Free! Contact: Abundant Life - 210-532-7722 Description: Christafari, Avion Blackman and Solomon Jabby at Spring Festival in Rosedale Park, San Antonio, TX. This will be an open-air festival on Memorial Day. More info: Abundant Life - 210-532-7722 Blessings in Christ, The staff of GOSPELREGGAE.COM  "We are Gospel Reggae!" A Division of Lion of Zion Entertainment Inc. E-mail: customer_service@lionofzion.com (310) 356-6047 Toll Free: (877) 271-7606 (US and Canada only) www.gospelreggae.com www.lionofzion.com www.christafari.com www.avionblackman.com www.imisi.com www.reggaesundayschool.com  |
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