island head – ISLAND HEAD reggae band New music out now!

Reggae Island in the UK

It seems our song, Reggae Island is getting lots of attention in the UK on reggae radio. Spotify and Amazon Music are seeing lots of requests for streaming the song. This instrumental reggae jam, written by Island Head’s drummer Billy Messinetti and trumpet player Don Harris. The song was intended to be heard while enjoying a backyard BBQ with some friends or sitting on a beach with a cocktail. You might enjoy it with your morning coffee. Whatever gets you going. If you are a fan of reggae music, it is a fun song. Enjoy! Peace & Love!!!

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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

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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Classic Reggae Performance

Island Head performed this past week for a mostly Jamaican audience in New York. They played extended versions of the entire “Punky Reggae Party” album along with some classic reggae music. Besides the Bob Marley covers the band usually does they jammed on tracks from a Studio One album entitled “Downbeat The Ruler”. The band selected “Darker Than Black” and “Swing Easy” by Soul Vendors, “Tunnel One”by Tommy McCook and “Heavy Rock” from Sound Dimension. The musicians took these grooves to new highs with guitar, keyboard, sax and trumpet solos.

This was the first gig where the Island Head musicians added some vocal songs to their set. Saxophonist Timmy Cappello displayed his vocal abilities on the classics “I Shall Be Released” (Bob Dylan) and “Baby I Need Your Loving” both covered by The Heptones. But, the vocal performance that brought the house down was Cappello’s version of “House of The Rising Sun”.

Island Head keyboardist, David Frank had a number one hit with his band The System called “Don’t Disturb This Groove”. The audience instantly recognized the signature keyboard riff of their reggae version.

The band’s live show is constantly evolving. Stay tuned for upcoming Island Head band performances.

Click the links below to see videos from the band’s performance at The Cutting Room in New York City.

“So Much Trouble In The World”

“Burnin’ and Lootin'”

“I Shot The Sheriff”

Island Head Gig Friday March 14

Island Head will be performing at ‘A Place 2 Go’ the hottest Jamaican restaurant in New York on Friday March 14, 2014. Owned by renowned Chef Chrissie, this place not only has the best Jamaican food around, it is also known for bringing the best reggae musicians.

Come in and have dinner then, Island Head will perform the entire “Punky Reggae Party” album and then some! Band starts at 10:00 PM. No cover charge – live reggae music!

If you want a preview of the band live, here are 2 YouTube videos:

“I Shot The Sheriff”

“So Much Trouble In The World”

“Burnin’ and Lootin'”

A PLACE 2 GO CONTACT DETAILS

http://www.aplace2gowestchester.com/
273 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801
T (914) 365 2525
Email: contactus@aplace2gowestchester.com

Island Head reggae band/musicians

“Punky Reggae Party” by Island Head band/musicians

Here is what Pat McKay, SiriusXM program director for channel 42 “The Joint” said; “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.”

“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, host of Reggae Central on KPFK-LA, author of Roots Rock Reggae: An Oral History of Reggae Music From Ska To Dancehall (Billboard Books) and The Small Axe Guide To Rock Steady (Muzik Tree).

“Island Head musicians, tastefully demonstrate that a fresh perspective can still be brought to Bob Marley music.” Dermot Hussey, legendary reggae radio personality and author of “Bob Marley, Reggae King of The World”.

“I have heard a lot of Wailers over the years and Island Head are one of the few bands that have an original take on the music. It’s Island Head Hipreggaejazzrockvibe.” – Cableman Dan, host of “Reggae & World Rhythms” on WNTI-FM

Island Head’s David Frank interview

David Frank, Island Head’s keyboard player was interviewed on Pacifica Radio in Los Angeles, Ca on KPFK. Chuck Foster is the host of the show “Reggae Central” which is heard on Sundays. The show airs from 2pm – 4pm PST on 90.7 FM in Los Angeles, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara, 93.7 North San Diego and 99.5 Rodgecrest. David talks about his input into the recording of “Punky Reggae Party” and his interaction with the other Island Head musicians.

David Frank is a well-known keyboard player, producer of many hit records including Christina Aguilera’s “Genie In A Bottle”, Phil Collins “Sussudio”, Steve Winwood’s “Back In The High Life” and many more. He also has had hits with his own band called The System including “Don’t Disturb This Groove” and “You Are In My System”.

Chuck wrote the Reggae Update column for Beat Magazine for two decades and is the author of Author of Roots, Rock, Reggae: An Oral History of Reggae Music From Ska to Dancehall on Billboard Books and The Small Axe Guide to Rock Steady (Muzik Tree, 2009). Chuck has been actively involved in Los Angeles public radio for nearly 20 years.

Here is the link to David’s interview

Island Head “Punky Reggae Party” makes iTunes Top 200

This past week “Punky Reggae Party” by Island Head made it to number 100 on the iTunes Top 200 Reggae Albums. This chart is more volatile than Billboard charts because it is based upon immediate sales at that hour. In one week the album was flying around all over the chart, but it peaked at #100.

The album is also on the recommended “Reggae Albums Under $8” on iTunes.

We also congratulate other reggae artists, our peers, on appearing on the iTunes Reggae Chart, too. Other interesting reggae albums that should check out are Rebolution, SOJA, Slightly Stoopid and The Green.

You can purchase the album on iTunes here

Physical copies can be purchase here on CD Baby

Island Head musicians

ISLAND HEAD – “PUNKY REGGAE PARTY”

reggae – jam band – jazz – island music – are all terms used to describe the instrumental debut album by Island Head. Below are the songs from the album written by Bob Marley except for “Reggae Island”, the single.

1 – I Shot The Sheriff (Bob Marley)

2 – So Much Trouble In The World (Bob Marley)

3 – Reggae Island (Billy Messinetti & Don Harris)

4 – Wake Up And Live (Bob Marley)

5 – Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley & Peter Tosh)

6 – Punky Reggae Party (Bob Marley & Lee “Scratch” Perry)

7 – Burnin’ and Lootin’ (Bob Marley)

click on ‘MUSICIANS LINK’ to read bios of Island Head musicians