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Joseph Israel - Paradise (Lions Of Israel, Inc.)
ReviewsAug 11, 2016

Joseph Israel - Paradise (Lions Of Israel, Inc.)

By Jah Rebel

Joseph Fennel's stage name and that of his backing band, Jerusalem Band, already indicate that like Matisyahu at the beginning of his career, in his music, this Oklahoma-born musician, likes to flirt with the Jewish tradition.

For his debut album 'Gone Are The Days' (New Door Records/Universal, 2006) Israel took to Tuff Gong in Kingston, and on 'Paradise' a number of Jamaican guests pop up as well. Veterans Dean Fraser and Nambo Robinson sound their horns in 'People Need Hope', and Tarrus Riley (flanked by Gentleman) makes an appearance in the same song. Lyrically 'Paradise' is a bit on the safe or soft side - something that can be said about more American releases - but musically this album, which is somewhere between roots reggae and easy listening, is beyond reproach. Top tracks: opener 'The Son', the aforementioned 'Gone Are The Days', and 'Journey', a track over a violin driven revamp of the Tempo riddim!
Joseph Israel - Paradise (Lions Of Israel, Inc.)

About the Author

Jah Rebel
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Together with Jah Shakespear, one of the founders of Reggae.be, he first started as a critic and a reporter before in the end of 2014 becoming editor in chief. Divides his time between his two passions: music and Haile Selassie.

Genres

RootsReggaeNew Roots

Published

Aug 11, 2016

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