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Mar. 27, 2008 -
Check out this hot new release:

ARTIST: Joshua Alo
ALBUM: Answer Your Calling
GENRE: Roots
CD $13.97
Download Album $9.99

ALBUM DESCRIPTION:
Massive acoustic guitar and ukulele licks adorn this unique brand of conscious roots reggae. From the first track to the last, Joshua captivates the heart and mind with messages of faith, love and a call of global and self-awareness. This gospel reggae masterpiece is truly inspirational.

From the sands and turmoil of the Middle East, to radio waves in Brazil and Europe, to prison cells in the southern U.S., Joshua Alo's music reaches the depths of the soul and brings a sense of tranquility, "eloquently speaking of faith and messages appropriate for all times and seasons." (Honolulu Star Bulletin '07)

Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Joshua blended an affinity between conscious roots reggae and the beauties of God's creations. At the age of 17, he began strumming the ukulele and acoustic six deep into the night on the rhythmic shores and hills of the island. "His laid-back music is conducive to deep thought and he brings that tropical sound to his debut album, Answer Your Calling. This is "hammock music": swaying, peaceful, and gorgeous, suited for sunset on a secluded beach, whether you're in the mood for love or for meditation though it's the latter that Alo is more concerned with here." (Reggae-Reviews.com)

In early 1999, Joshua enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and serves as a mail transportation manager where his job is strictly to ensure the deployed U.S and coalition troops receive mail, no matter where they are, to and from their loved ones back home. This unique occupation provided him a broad global experience and cultural understanding throughout the years having lived in Japan, Belgium, Italy, Kingdom of Bahrain, and traveled to 26 countries, to include multiple deployments to Iraq.

While stationed in northern Italy, Joshua met with the acclaimed Studio Beat2 Engineer...Irko, Bass guitarist...Maurizio Nizzetto, Pianist...Gianluca Ballarin and the sensational tribal roots band...Zion Love, in collaboration and creation of his debut album "Answer your Calling."

Alo explains the meaning of the album's title. "Many of us are searching for great purpose and for many of us, whether we are searching or not, have the guiding light to truth and divine calling right in front of us but we are blinded to it by focusing strictly on worldly definitions. We must stop following blind guides (not only in human form) and have the courage to answer our calling and give ourselves to the amazing grace of the Almighty, lift up our hands and grasp this guiding light. No calling is an easy leap of faith and it's hard to know which direction to go, but as the wind blows, so should we flow. See John 3:8 concerning this wind."

"Alo's debut left me in awe. Answer Your Calling is best described as an offering from the heart. The incredibly honest rhythm section is a true driving force. A mean, thundering bass combined with well placed heavy drum licks, rootical percussion, seventies organ sounds, guitar and hovering above that are Joshua Alo's angelic breathy vocals and ukulele." (Teacha Dan, Rootsmusic.nl)

Everywhere he goes, Joshua sings conscious acoustic roots reggae not only to the struggling soldier, but to all inhabitants in first, second and third worlds alike. He writes and sings from the depths of his heart, bringing forth visions of his vast experiences and gained knowledge and insight from his walk of faith in a world of political and spiritual unrest. "Alo has the talent and potential to rise in the reggae world, tempered by honesty and humility, such as demonstrated in his confessional album title song, "Answer Your Calling". This is not only commendable but inspiring for listeners searching for examples of truthfulness and authenticity in Babylon, where examples as such are not always easy to find." (Jahworks.org magazine)

Alo continues to summarize his album's message in one sentence..."To stand firm and answer your calling amongst blind guides and to shine light over darkness within the Almighty's creation, all we need is faith, works and a thing called love."

Just by viewing this page, you are supporting Joshua to get the message of the Most High across as he is currently stationed in the Middle East and cannot physically network his music. Pick up your copy today and further support a brother that is on the frontline!

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