| Band Members |
JAH ROOTS
2001 - 2009
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jah Roots was a Billboard Charts topping[2] reggae band from Springfield, Missouri.[3] The band was active from 2001[4] to 2009.[5] They produced records under their independent label GanJah Records. The band released several albums and has a local and international following.
Jah Roots recorded its first album, Steppin Out Of Babylon[4] in 2002. In 2005 they released 2 albums More Herbs for the Youth and Babylon Weak Heart w/ Baddaflexx. Their fourth album titled Crucial was released in 2006, and was a Billboard charts Top 100 Reggae album[6] as well as being listed in the "Top Ten Reggae Albums of 2007" [7] on the island of Guam. In April 2008 their fifth album Joy was released, it charted on the "Billboard charts Top 100 Reggae Albums"[8] as well. For this album they were joined by reggae guitarist Junior Marvin – who served as lead guitarist for Bob Marley & The Wailers from 1977-1980.[9] Joy featured "Ganja Weed", which won "Best Reggae Song 2008" by the Global Marijuana Music Awards [10].
Jah Roots has toured with Grammy Award winning artists [11], Damian Marley and Stephen Marley as the sole opening act for their "Welcome To Jamrock Tour" in 2006,[12] through the Midwest portion of the tour. They have played at South by Southwest '07[13] & festivals such as: Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival [14], Summer Camp Music Festival, Schwagstock and are regulars at Austin Reggae Festival. The band is very good friends with and also tours regularly with Cas Haley[15] from America's Got Talent
2009 Break Up / Indefinite Hiatus
In Spring 2009 the band announced it was going on "Indefinite Hiatus" due to members wanting more family time. Lead Singer Josh Heinrichs would finish all remaining shows solo.[16]
In April 2009 Ex Jah Roots members announced they would carry on the band without lead singer/songwriter Josh Heinrichs. They also announced they would have a new band name soon with DJ/Rapper I-Ron leading the same band formation.[17]
In May/June 2009 it was announced that lead singer Josh Heinrichs would release 2 albums. His solo EP "Things Change" in July. "The six-song EP, to be titled Things Change, will be an acoustic record with some backing instrumentation from members of SeedLove and 77 Jefferson."[18] Also "Favorites" A collection of Modern & Classic reggae favorites redone by Heinrichs with Cas Haley was announced to be released in late summer 09' on Big Karma Records. The album is to be mastered by Rob Fraboni.[19]
Reception
Jah Roots has been well received in Missouri and surrounding states and its album More Herbs for the Youth received airplay on London radio stations.[4] They've honored requests to open for acts such as Bunny Wailer, Prezident Brown, Damian Marley and George Clinton.[9] "So we just started taking it on the road and we've been hitting the U.S. as hard as we can." Heinrichs said. [9] Through little more than word of mouth, Jah Roots, repeatedly packs every venue they play. The band's success serves as an irrefutable testament to the power generated when authentic music is performed live, by passionate, purpose-driven artists.[18]
Distribution
Jah Roots initially promoted itself with free record distribution to build a wider audience base and increase concert attendance.[4] The bands singer, Josh Heinrichs, is quoted in an interview saying this about their album distribution "Before MySpace and before we were able to put our music up for free download online we used to all go home and burn tons of copies of our albums off and give them away for free. We gave away 1000's of CD's this way and it really made a huge difference in the attendance at our live shows and then when we were actually able to put out our first real album Crucial (album) our fans were totally willing to help us out and throw down $10. They had already heard the music and liked it."[19] The band also mailed CDs to fans in Europe, Asia and South America.[4]
Motion Picture Appearance
Jah Roots entered the motion picture scene with an appearance on American Music: Off the Record, a documentary interrogating the American music industry. The film also features Noam Chomsky, Les Paul, Buckethead, Jackson Browne, Little Feat, Sonic Youth and many more.
Band Members
* Josh "Ras Josh" Heinrichs (lead vocals, guitar)
* Aaron "I-Ron" Berger (dj vocals)
* Steve "Cheese" Washburn (bass, vocals)
* Eric "Tico" Groves (drums)
* Josh Nail (percussion)
* Mike Hulsey (lead guitar/keyboards)
* Kyle "Baddaflexx" Bell (dj vocals 2004-2005)[20]
* Grant Maledy (saxophone 2003-2006)[21]
* Phil Quidort (trumpet, trombone 2005-2007)[22]
Discography
* Steppin Out Of Babylon (2002) Avail. Online Free
* More Herbs for the Youth (2005) Avail. Online Free
* Babylon Weak Heart w/ Baddaflexx (2005) Avail. Online Free
* Crucial (album) (2006) Avail. On iTunes
* Joy (Jah Roots album) (2008) Avail. On iTunes
Solo Albums
* Things Change (Josh Heinrichs EP) (2009) Avail. @ ThePier.org
* Favorites (Josh Heinrichs w/ Cas Haley album) (2009) Preview Here - Drops Summer '09
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