Joseph Israel Shows and Tour

News and Updates

April 16 ,2007 Joseph Israel: Reggae’s New Superstar
I don’t claim to be an expert on reggae by any stretch but I definitely enjoy the music and I love fresh and upcoming artists. With that said the reggae genre appears to be on an incredible surge. Last year’s emergence of Matisyahu made it apparent that you don’t have to be black or Jamaican to sing reggae. Not only that but grassroots jam bands Dispatch and OAR blend a very heavy reggae influence with mainstream accessibility to bring the genre to the forefront of popular culture. Closer to reggae’s roots young Jamaican singer Abdel Wright put out one of the better CD’s released last year on a major label but he still went undiscovered. Even legends are giving reggae a shot. Willie Nelson tried his hand on his album Countryman.
However, none of these musicians come anywhere close to the musicianship and skill that young singer Joseph Israel captures on his Universal Music debut Gone Are The Days. From the opening beats on “Jerusalem” it is apparent that Joseph Israel is something special. He sounds like a Caribbean native and it’s hard to believe the kid grew up in Oklahoma and Arkansas listening to Sam Cooke.
Perhaps there’s a reason for his skill though. Israel spent a bunch of time in the Caribbean working with some of reggae’s biggest and most influential names and it appears it was time well spent. In a genre that is easy to mimic and rare to authenticate, Israel does exactly that and seems to be having a good time doing it. The horn-fueled track, “Jah Kingdom,” is soulful and bluesy and definitely stands out, and while the children speaking on “Mankind” is a bit kitschy, Gone Are The Days is an arresting and inspiring compilation of feel-good grooves.
If you’re looking for something new and light to get you dancing a little bit, I’d recommend Israel’s disc. 8 out of 10. More information is available
Ilovethatsong.com/josephisrael

April 16 ,2007 Local Sounds- Pennlive.com

Courtesy of Israel's MySpaceThe trip up to Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe on April 19th is going to be worth it. I've seen about a half a dozen Wailers' shows, and without a doubt, they have been some of the most amazing concert experiences I've had. The shows are high energy and full of good vibes (and great tunes!). I guarantee you won't stop dancing for hours. I don't know how the back-up vocalists keep up their fast-paced dancing and beautiful vocals at the same time; they alone make the show worth seeing. Full Story

January 5 ,2007 New Message Board
Join the conversation, Speak your mind @ the new Joseph Israel Message Board.

December 22 ,2006 CIMS Release
Coalition Independent Music Stores set to release "Gones Are the Days" Jan 2, 2007. Coalition Independent Music Stores

December 22 ,2006 Joseph Israel maps club tour ahead of debut album

Artist Joseph Israel will launch a >headlining tour in January ahead of the March release of his debut >full-length album, "Gone Are the Days.". ... Live Daily.com

December 11 ,2006 Black Tie Boogie

Featuring music by Soul Majestic w/ special guest Joseph Israel, The Freys & East Wind. Saturday December 16th, Portuguese hall, Fort Brag CA

November 21,2006 Global Rhythm
Rising Reggae Star Joseph Israel To Make His Debut On New Door Records/UME

November 09, 2006 VC Reporter, Ventura Countys Newsweekly
VC Reporter Features Josephs Israel as Music Pick of the Week

Joseph Israel Southern California Tour
Mailbu
Ventura
Long Beach

CMJ Music Marathon- New York City
Panel Topic: SPECIALTY ISSUES
Reggae Revolution
Pros and experts in the reggae community talk about battling stereotypes, and how dancehall and reggaeton are affecting the industry. The discussion also includes a look at important trends to watch and how social issues affect lyrics in today’s reggae.
Moderator: Randy Chin, Vice President, VP Records

Panelists: Kevin Batchelor, musician
Alex Beram, Manager, John Brown’s Body
Benny Bwoy, reggae artist
Joseph Israel, reggae artist
Sister Carol, reggae artist

Go To Joseph Israel.com

NEW DOOR RECORDS/UME RELEASING DEBUT DISC FROM RISING REGGAE STAR
JOSEPH ISRAEL

Gone Are the Days Features Appearances by Luciano, Mikey General

LOS ANGELES—If ever there was proof of the universal power and appeal of reggae music, it’s Gone Are the Days, the striking debut album from rising reggae star Joseph Israel.

Featuring sweet reflections of love, gripping, headline-torn news reports, moving tales of spiritual awakening and affecting calls for unity, Gone Are the Days is the first album from the Tulsa, Oklahoma-born, Arkansas-based singer, whose voice has for the past three years teetered on the edge of broader recognition.

Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, at the fabled Tuff Gong studios (birthplace of iconic albums by Bob Marley and his sons), as well as Shaggy’s Big Yard Studio, among others, Gone Are the Days features the stamp of approval from some of the genre’s heavyweights: The disc features collaborations with leading second-generation roots reggae artist Luciano (“Ruff Times) and Mikey General (“Universal Love”), as well as the smooth voices of Erica Newell and Rochelle Bradshaw (backing vocalists for Ziggy Marley and Luciano, respectively).

To be released on iTunes.com Tuesday ,September 26th by New Door Records/UME, the 15-track disc also finds Israel, who has toured nationally with Luciano and Abijah, backed by a litany of top reggae musicians, including saxophonist Dean Fraser, lead guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith and bassist Chris Meredith, who co-produced Gone Are the Days with Israel.

Available online on Tuesday , September 26th , 2006 @ iTunes and in stores January 30, 2007

from New Door Records/UME, the 15-track disc also finds Israel, who has toured nationally with Luciano and Abijah, backed by a litany of top reggae musicians, including saxophonist Dean Fraser, lead guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith and bassist Chris Meredith, who co-produced Gone Are the Days with Israel.

For Israel, born Joseph Montgomery Fennel, the disc represents the culmination of a lifelong fascination with the culture and music of Jamaica. It represents his strong belief in Jah (Yahweh) as the almighty God, and comes after countless sojourns to the island country to study the faith, music and culture.

Conscious and idealistic, the songs composing Gone Are the Days point to a better way to live.

Management Mark Goldstein zoommanagement@aol.com
www.myspace.com/whitelightmusicgroup
516-822-8080

Reggae Concert To Benefit Rape Crisis
FAYETTEVILLE — Joseph Israel and the Jerusalem Band will present Reggae Against Sexual Assault, a benefit for Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Inc., at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. Proceeds from the event will support education and prevention programs and direct victim services for survivors of sexual assault throughout Northwest Arkansas. Israel will play in the garden. The Tiffany Christopher Band will be playing inside. The cover charge is $10. For tickets, call 927-1025 or visit George’s Majestic Lounge in person or at the Web site: Georges Majestic Lounge
Sept 26, 2006 iTunes Release

"Gone Are the Days" To be released on Itunes Sept 26.

Aug 23, 2006 New Door Records/ UMe Releasing Debut Disc from rising reggae star Joseph Israel

-LOS ANGELES If ever there was proof fo the universal power and appeal of reggae music, its "Gone Are the Days", the striking debut album from rising reggae star Joseph Israel.

For Israel, born Joseph Montgomery Fennel, the disc represents the culmination of a lifelong fascination with the culture and music of Jamaica. It represents his strong belief in the JAH (YAHWEH) the almighty God. Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, at the fabled Tuff Gong studios (birthplace of iconic albums by Bob Marley and his sons).

Conscious and idealistic, the songs composing "Gone ARe the Days" point to a better way to live, to a better world. "This CD, what it's really all about to me, is bringing things out that haven't been said," says Israel. "This is not a religious album. I'm just trying to promote the truth, and hopefully other people will want to hear it." Look for Gone Are the Days release on itunes mid September.

July 21, 2006 - Joseph signs with Universal / New Door / Records in Los Angeles

June 9, 2006
Future Studios offers live entertainment focused on inspiring messages designed to bring global change to our world and unite all peoples in true harmony. Future Studios is Arizona's only all-ages, smoke-and-alcohol-free performance and social activist venue for musicians actors, dancers, drummers, speakers, and performing artists who present higher consciousness messages for humanity. Watch Joseph's performance at Future Studios by clicking the image below (opens in new window).

May 18, 2006
Joseph had a feature in the May 4th issue of the Fayetteville Free Weekly. A small bio and an announcement for the May 6th show at the Good Folk House in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His CD, "Gone Are The Days" was nominated for a NAMA 2006.

May 4, 2006
Joseph Israel and SOJA, from Washington D.C., join forces on the West coast to raise money for Ratafari Elders-Movements of JAH People Org (Ras Gary and Earl "Chinna" Smith). Twenty-five percent of the show proceeds will go to getting natuaral herbs and supplements that are tremendously needed. If you want to donate, e-mail Kristy Fennel: lionsofisrael@hotmail.com.

Touring with Joseph Israel will be Erica Newell (Erica Newell is best known for her work with Ziggy Marley). Hear her now as she promotes her new single, "Inspire Me". Erica will also perform select songs from her up and coming album. Don't miss the chance to hear one of Jamaica's greatest vocalist. The shows will be unforgettable. Click image below to visit Erica's site (will open in new window).

Just Announced: Joseph Israel and The Jerusalem Band to perform at Springfest 2006 on Dickson Street in Fayetteville at the 104.9X New Rock Stage about 1:00 PM. For more information, visit New Rock 104.9's website below.

May 3, 2006
Established in 1985, the WorldBeat Center (WBC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 cultural arts organization. Through cultural education and programming, the WorldBeat Center is known as the premier cultural center dedicated to the African and Indigenous Diaspora. Recent years have brought an increased international relationship with Latin American, the Caribbean and Africa, particularly with cooperative education, technology, economics and diplomacy. WorldBeat photographer Kimberly Parker has several photos from the Fall acoustic tour from 2005 of Joseph and Earl "Chinna" Smith. Click image below for the site (will open in new window).

April 28, 2006
All About Jazz, a site produced by jazz fans for jazz fans. A mission to provide information and opinion about jazz from the past, present, and future. A "Global Jazz" section, reviews of jazz from around the world, and interviews with international musicians, they approach the music from four continents, including ten cities in the US alone. They recently reviewed "Gone Are The Days". Click image below for article (will open in new window).

Night Flying, Arkansas' leading independent press, carried a large piece on Joseph Israel earlier this year. In classic Night Flying style, they do a fine job representing the local scene and musicians of the state in the article. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

April 24, 2006
Several stations have Joseph Israel's "Ruff Times" listed as "Heavy Rotation". We would like to thank all the stations and folks for their support (Annie Bond). Da Jammin' Reggae Show with Righteous Roger on KJMD 98.3 FM in Maui, HI (Saturdays 6pm-12am) and WQNR 99.9 The Rock in Auburn, AL (Alabama's official Bonnaroo station) are just a couple of stations blazin' Joseph's material.

April 21, 2006
Tickets are now on sale for the Good Folk House show at 229 N. Block Street in Fayetteville, AR (8PM). This is an acoustic set to be recorded for future release sometime in the Fall of 2006 and will feature Reggae greats, Chris Meredith and Erica Newell. (Limited seating so get tickets ASAP. Tickets are $15.00 and available at Sound Warehouse and Old Soul Organics in Fayetteville).

The 'Reggae-Lossless Traders' group was formed in 2001. A site for trading live shows and good vibes, they also recently reveiwed "Gone Are The Days" and had the following to say. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

April 19, 2006
The Jamaica Observer's article entitled, "Ziggy Marley to adopt Judaism?" contains several references to Joseph Israel and several others that spin reggae songs on a Jewish axis. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

And below, a recently found photo from the Morning News of Israel playing the Sounds of Africa Concert at the University of Arkansas with the Lions of Israel Band. Click image to view the photo (will open in new window).

April 11, 2006
The Jamaica Observer featured an article on Joseph Israel entitled, "Joseph Israel comes original with Gone Are The Days". Basil Walters, Observer staff reporter, wrote the colunm and was originally published on Friday, September 09, 2005. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

April 8, 2006
We would love to thank Will Bradford, Victoria Karol, and Brian Asplin from Macro Management and Publicity for their continued efforts in helping us to promote Joseph Israel, and his CD "Gone are the Days." Along with Joseph Israel, some of the artists that they work with are Lotus, Hot Buttered Rum, Extra Blue Kind, New Monsoon and Garaj Mahal. Macro-Management and Publicity is a independent promotional company that works in all genres of music, and if you have an interest in hiring their services, please check out their website by clicking the banner below.

April 7, 2006:
Reggae Reviews is a site dedicated to just what it says: reviewing reggae music. They recently reviewed "Gone Are The Days". (Click image below for article (will open in new window).

April 6, 2006:
PopMatters is an international magazine of cultural criticism. They have recently released their review of Joseph Israel's debut CD, "Gone Are The Days". Click image below for article (will open in new window).

April 5, 2006:
StarPulse.com has released their review of Joseph Israel's debut CD, "Gone Are The Days". Click image below for article (will open in new window).

March 31, 2006:
Joseph launches his new website. The site is being completely reconstructed and material will slowly be added in the following weeks. Check back often or join our newsletter to stay informed on the latest happenings and updates.

March 30, 2006:
“Gone are the Days” national release party is March 31, 2006 at Jose's in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Joseph Israel and the Jerusalem Band welcomes Missouri's top reggae band JAH ROOTS to open the show. Tickets are available at Sound Warehouse in Fayetteville. Show time: 9PM (this is an all ages show!).

March 26, 2006:
Reggaephotos.com has uploaded a nice set of photos of Joseph Israel and Luciano. The images are from a live show at The Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, Florida on June 30, 2005. Click the image below to see the page (will open in a new window).

March 22, 2006:
A big up to Matisyahu and Roots Tonic for having Joseph Israel as a guest appearance to the March 1st show at the Beaumont in Kansas City. Matisyahu and Joseph blew up the stage and electrified a standing room only crowd with a song written by Israel and Matisyahu entitled, “Away with This”. Look for Israel to appear and perform on selected upcoming shows with Matisyahu this Spring.

December 15, 2005
Joseph Israel's CD, 'Gone are the Days' has been listed as "Heavy Rotation" on Vibe Magazine's BOOMSHOTS: Reggae Riddems and Reality. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

September 27, 2005:
The Peace on Earth Music Festival Day was an event held in Fayetteville at the Greek Theater in September of 2005. Performers included: Papa Rap and DJ Torres, Lelsie Oelsner and Kelly Mulhollen, Daniel West, Joseph Israel and Earl "Chinna" Smith. It was featured in the Northwest Arkansas Times September 23, 2005 issue. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

September 18, 2004:
The Jamaica Observer features an article on Joseph Israel entitled, "These Are the Last Days". Click image below for article (will open in new window).

August 5, 2005
The Morning News ran a feature in the Weekend section of their paper in the August 5th 2005 edition. Amy M. Cotham did a fantastic writing job on Joseph Israel and his story. Click image below for article (will open in new window).

December 22, 2004
X News Jamaica announces the release of "Ruff Times" and a small write up on Joseph Israel. Click image below for article (will open in new window).