Bob Marley – ISLAND HEAD reggae band New music out now!

SiriusXM Radio weighs in on Island Head reggae band

SiriusXM radio has been very kind to Island Head. Their reggae station, The Joint, was the first radio station in the world to play Island Head. Program Director Pat McKay, selected the song “So Much Trouble In The World” to be the unofficial single off the album “Punky Reggae Party”.

Pat McKay has very high praise for the band. She said; “Island Head is an important project to reggae. It’s always gr8 to have substantive, high art. This work contributes to reggae’s growth. Reminds others of what it really is and what is still possible. I feel so especially blessed to share this brilliant work with our audience.”

Dermot Hussey, the legendary radio personality, is also on The Joint reggae channel. Dermot said; “Island Head musicians, tastefully demonstrate that a fresh perspective can still be brought to Bob Marley music”.

Island Head are humbled and honored to have such luminaries of the reggae music world to offer such high praise.

#islandhead #islandheadreggae #bobmarley #thejoint #siriusXM #reggaeradio

#reggae #reggaemusic #spotify #jamaica #caribbeanmusic #caliroots #reggaeartist #reggaeband #radio #reggaeartist

I Shot The Sheriff video (The Making of)

Here is the link to the video of Island Head’s version of the Bob Marley classic “I Shot The Sheriff”. This reggae classic was originally recorded by Bob Marley and The Wailers. Island Head recorded an instrumental version of the song with a unique arrangement including a guitar solo by Andy Bassford and sax solo by Tim Cappello. Other band members include drummer Billy Messinetti, trumpet player Don Harris, keyboard player David Frank, guitarist Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung and bass player Neil Jason.

The video is basically a photo montage of the recording sessions and the making of the album.

I Shot The Sheriff video

#islandhead #islandheadreggae #bobmarley #thejoint #siriusXM #reggaeradio

#reggae #reggaemusic #spotify #jamaica #caribbeanmusic #caliroots #reggaeartist #reggaeband #radio #reggaeartist

#iheartradio #manaradio #reggae #reggaeradio #reggaemusic #siriusxm #thejoint #thejointradio #dermothussey #patmckay #islandhead #islandheadreggae #timcappello #istillbelieve

Reggae Radio Stations/Reggae DJs

Support for the reggae community, reggae artists and reggae music

Island Head is a reggae band. We have been lucky enough to have many radio stations who support reggae music, play our songs. We have been played on SiriusXM, college radio and streaming radio. As a result, many reggae artists and fans have contacted us to find out about radio stations that play reggae music. Our results are posted below.

PLEASE, if you know any radio stations that support the reggae community, let us know and we will blog about it. If you are a DJ and would like us to help promote your show, let us know about that as well. info @ islandhead.com

Here is the information we have gathered:

SiriusXM The Joint – DJs Pat McKay, Jabba, Dermot Hussey

Newstalk 93 FM in Jamaica – “Riffin” with Dermot Hussey

Radio Z889 Burlington County College – Request Line: 609-894-8900

Solar FM Reggae Portugal – DJ Paulo Matos

Aalborg Student Radio in Northern Denmark 92.2 FM DJ Manuca Selectah every Monday from 22.30 to 00.00 GMT

Endless Boundaries Jam Radio with “Jaybird” Varga (88.9 FM in S. Jersey & Philadelphia) Request Line: 609-894-8900

Sounds of the Caribbean with Keith Rowe & Selecta Jerry (88.9 FM in S. Jersey & Philadelphia) Request Line: 609-894-8900

Reggae & World Rhythms with Cableman Dan – Centenary College (stream on www.wnti.org – 91.9 FM in Central New Jersey) Request Line: 908-852-4545

In Southern California on Pacifica Radio – KPFK heard on 90.7 FM in LA, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara, 93.7 FM N. San Diego, 99.5 FM Ridgecrest – Reggae Central with Chuck Foster – Request Line: (818) 985-5735

WMNF 88.5 FM Community Radio Tampa, FL (stream at www.wmnf.org) Air Studio: (813) 239-9663 or dj@wmnf.org

Radio CUH Chaminade University – Honolulu. HI http://radiocuh.org – Request Line: (808) 440-4218

WVKR 91.3 FM Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY – Requests: 845.437.7178

Mana’o Radio 91.5FM, Maui Hawaii Requests: 808-244-2032

Ramjam Radio in London, England

Sound Fusion Radio in London, England

Lonely Oak Radio – internet radio

iHeart Radio – create your own radio station like a “Bob Marley” station or island or reggae type station and Discovery will bring you Island Head.

If you are a radio DJ/personality and would like to obtain a copy of the “Punky Reggae Party” album, please send us an email.

info(@)islandhead.com

#islandhead #islandheadreggae #bobmarley #thejoint #siriusXM #reggaeradio

#reggae #reggaemusic #spotify #jamaica #caribbeanmusic #caliroots #reggaeartist #reggaeband #radio #reggaeartist

Review of Island Head Live at The Falcon!

Billy Messinetti and Don Harris (together they produce and do arrangements for Island Head)

Timmy Cappello (sax player vocalist of Island Head)

David Frank (madman on the B3) of Island Head

: David Frank, Dave O’Donnell (Punky Reggae Party mix engineer), Billy Messinetti

Thank you to all who came out to see Island Head at The Falcon! What a fantastic night, so much fun!! Special thanks to Island Head’s keyboard player, David Frank. David flew in from LA to do this gig because he just loves playing the music with this group of amazing players.

The band opened the night with classic Jamaican instrumentals from the Studio One collection called “Tunnel One” by legendary reggae sax player, Tommy McCook and “Darker Shade of Black” by Soul Vendors. The latter is actually an excerpt from The Beatles song “Norwegian Wood”.

When Sax player/vocalist Timmy Cappello introduced the band’s version of “Baby I Need Your Loving” by The Four Tops he said; “We have such a symbiotic relationship with Jamaican reggae musicians and artists. They write songs, we make them our own. We write songs and they give that grace and that thrust with a whole new feel”.

One of the highlights of the band’s set was their version of “Freedom” by Richie Havens. The groove was kind of a Soca/Reggae thing which had the whole crowd on their feet. Don and Timmy took advantage of their wireless clip-on microphones and were dancing with the audience and played amazing solos.

Keyboard player David Frank’s band, The System had a big hit called “Don’t Disturb This Groove”. Island Head did a version with a groove called “”Rockers” that was originated by the legendary drummer/bassist duo Sly & Robbie. “Rockers” is kind of a half-time feel with the bass drum playing quarter notes (4 on the floor).

Of course, the band played most of the songs from their album “Punky Reggae Party” that has been heard on reggae radio especially SiriusXM “The Joint” channel 42. They closed the set with a furious version of Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff” that featured an energetic funky drum solo by Billy. The crowd would not let the band leave so quickly and demanded an encore.

The encores included the classic “House of The Rising Sun” done Island Head reggae style. The final song took the audience by surprise as the band ripped into a cool reggae version of “Kiss” by Prince. There was not one person left sitting!

Relix Review of “Punky Reggae Party”

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Hearing reggae songs sans vocals is always an interesting experience. But, without words to draw listeners in, interesting can’t always equal good, especially if the band lacks chemistry and forgets the cardinal rule; Riddim first. Thankfully, New York-based band Island Head gets the vibe right with Punky Reggae Party, featuring mostly a choice selection of Bob Marley covers. Blessed with a seasoned line-up of reggae and R&B vets, including drummer Billy Messinetti, keyboardist David Frank, and guitarists Andy Bassford and Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung, the band digs into classics as the title track, “I Shot The Sheriff” and the original laid-back jam “Reggae Island”. The band frequently flexes their muscles a bit on solos, but their vocal-like quality feels tasteful and natural – always rocking steady and never forgetting to keep the party going. James Haag – Relix Magazine

Island Head Live at the Falcon

Island Head played to a packed SRO crowd at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY this past Saturday night. The band featured Timmy Cappello on sax and lead vocals, Andy Bassford as well as reggae legend Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung on guitars, bandleader Billy Messinetti on drums, Jeff Ganz on bass, James K. Smith on trumpet (subbing for Don Harris) and Mitch Margold on keyboards (subbing for David Frank). Both James and Mitch have played with Island Head before so the reggae groove had the right pulse!

The band played their versions of classic Bob Marley songs as performed on their album “Punky Reggae Party” as heard on SiriusXM radio The Joint. Other songs performed included “Baby I Need Your Loving” by The Four Tops, “I Shall Be Released” by Bob Dylan and the classic “House of The Rising Sun”.

They surprised the audience with two new songs to the set. “Take Me To The River” was done uptempo to almost a ska beat. One of the most interesting arrangements was the band’s rendition of Richie Haven’s Woodstock classic “Freedom” to a soca-like groove. Timmy tore the house down with these two songs. Whew!!

Check back here at IslandHeadReggae.com for information about getting a copy of the live recording of the show.

Live Reggae Music at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY

Island Head’s next live gig is Saturday November 21, 2015 at a fantastic venue called The Falcon.

Island Head’s trumpet player Don Harris and bass player Neil Jason played The Falcon with Blues Brothers’ guitar player John Tropea. Island Head bandleader/ drummer Billy Messinetti attended the show and was very impressed with the club and the whole concept of what they have going on. Don and Billy had a conversation with owner Tony Falco. Tony said, “people say we don’t have enough reggae music or reggae bands in the club”. All agreed Island Head would be a great fit.

The band will have legendary guitarist Mikey “Mao” Chung in from Jamaica, keyboardist/producer David Frank is flying in from Los Angeles and guitarist Andy Bassford is returning that day from his tour with Jamaican Jazz pianist Monty Alexander.

Island Head will be playing their own versions of Bob Marley compositions, tracks from Jamaican Reggae Producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s Studio One Rocksteady and Reggae classics. Island Head’s bass player Jeff Ganz is a student of these classics and the bass is the foundation of those grooves. The band will also throw in some American classics with a reggae feel sung by Saxophonist Timmy Cappello. Timmy had been touring the states appearing at “Mad Monster Parties”. These are “meet and greet” conventions for fans of vampire movies. Timmy performed the theme song “I Still Believe” in the vampire movie classic “The Lost Boys” and is well-known by fans of the movie.

Tony Falco is an avid supporter of great music and fine art. There is something going on at The Falcon almost every night. Tony finds very talented and interesting acts. Besides hosting live music you can find artwork from local painters hanging on the walls that Tony encourages his patrons to purchase. Some of the finest musicians in the world have sought out The Falcon to perform there. They have a large stage suitable for a small concert hall.

Come hungry because they offer a terrific menu, fine wine and beer selections. The restaurant supports farms that practice sustainable agriculture.

We will see you there on Nov 21. Doors open at 7PM.

Click here for more information about the show: SHOW LINK

Facebook link to the show: FACEBOOK

The Falcon website: www.liveatthefalcon.com

Island Head Reggae Band

HEAR WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT ISLAND HEAD

“One of the 25 Best Reggae Albums of 2013” – Midnight Raver Blog

“What a piece of art!” DJ Paulo Matos Host of “Reggae Portugal”

“Island Head is an important project to reggae. It’s always great to have substantive, high art. This work contributes to reggae’s growth. Reminds others of what it really is and what is still possible. I feel so especially blessed to share this brilliant work with our audience.” – Pat McKay, SiriusXM program director for “The Joint”

“Inspired concept, great playing and a real feel for the music makes Island Head’s ‘Punky Reggae Party’ a top quality, excellent release highly recommended to strengthen the heart and soothe the soul. A winner!” – Chuck Foster, Reggae Grammy Screening Committee/Host of “Reggae Central” on KPFK-LA

“Island Head musicians tastefully demonstrate that a fresh perspective can still be brought to Bob Marley music.” – Dermot Hussey, Legendary Jamaican Radio Personality

“Island Head are one of the few bands that have an original take on the music, Hipreggaejazzrockvibe.” – Cableman Dan, “Reggae & World Rhythms” on WNTI-FM

“These musicians can play…they feel this music. It has a jazzy vibe to it. The strength of the songs, the talent of these musicians, and the organic connection they share with each other, keeps this album standing strong inna Babylon!” – Ras Michael, Midnight Raver

“Island Head brings life to authentic reggae. No fluff, just great music.” – Chef Chrissy, Famous Jamaican Chef/Restaurateur/Reggae Connoisseur (hosted live Island Head show)

ISLAND HEAD musicians are:

Andy Bassford: guitar Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung: guitar Timmy Cappello: sax

David Frank: keyboards Don Harris: trumpet Billy Messinetti: drums Neil Jason: bass

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See Island Head live

Island Head will be performing songs from the album “Punky Reggae Party” which are unique instrumental versions of Bob Marley songs as well as the Island Head original, “Reggae Island” The band also will play some classic Jamaican Studio One instrumentals. Sax player Timmy Cappello will be singing some classic pop hits his own reggae style.

DATE: Thursday August 21, 2014 PLACE: Treme 553 Main St, Islip, NY WEBSITE LINK: TremeLink Phone: (631) 277-2008

DATE: Friday August 22, 2014 PLACE: A Place 2 Go (Jamaican Restaurant) 273 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY WEBSITE LINK: AplaceWebLink Phone: (914) 365-252

DATE: Thursday August 28, 2014 PLACE: The Lackawaxen Inn 188 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, PA. FACEBOOK LINK: Lack Inn FB PHONE: 570-685-7061

ISLAND HEAD set list

Burnin & Lootin
Tunnel One*
I Shall Be Released
Swing Easy*
Get Up Stand Up

So Much Trouble in the World
Wake Up & Live
Heavy Rock*
Don’t Disturb This Groove
House of the Rising Sun
Punky Reggae Party
Reggae Island
Baby I Need Your Loving
Darker Shade of Black* (Norwegian Wood)
I Shot The Sheriff

Chronixx Nudges Marley Out of Number 1(blog)

Chronixx released “The Dread & Terrible Project” today and nudged out the sitting king from the number one spot on the iTunes Top Reggae Albums chart. Bob Marley’s “Legend” album just sits at number one and every once in a while a record comes out that will push it out of the top spot for a “minute”.

Chronixx, who has begun his European tour, was born and bred to be the success he is today. His father is the Jamaican reggae artist Chronicle, who encouraged this young man to nurture his talent.

This next generation artist fuses together the best of what is old and new about reggae music and will help propel the genre forward.