JOSHUA ALO: Answer Your Calling

Joshua Alo

Answer Your Calling

© 2007 World Souljah Music (634479550058)

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Massive acoustic solos adorn this very unique brand of Conscious Roots Reggae. Lyrics and music captivate the mind and soul with messages of faith, love and a call to global and self awareness. Truly inspirational.

notes

Joshua Alo is Roots Reggae's first enlisted service member to bring conscious music throughout the Middle East, the frontlines in Iraq and around the world all while serving the nation abroad. From the sands and turmoil of the Middle East, to radio waves in Brazil and Europe, to prison cells in the southern U.S., Joshua Alo's music reaches the depths of the soul and brings a sense of tranquility, “eloquently speaking of faith and messages appropriate for all times and seasons.” (Honolulu Star Bulletin ‘07)

Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Joshua blended an affinity between conscious roots reggae and the beauties of God's creations. At the age of 17, he began strumming the ukulele and acoustic six deep into the night on the rhythmic shores and hills of the island. “His laid-back music is conducive to deep thought and he brings that tropical sound to his debut album, Answer Your Calling. This is "hammock music": swaying, peaceful, and gorgeous, suited for sunset on a secluded beach, whether you're in the mood for love or for meditation though it’s the latter that Alo is more concerned with here.” (Reggae-Reviews.com)

In early 1999, Joshua enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and serves as a mail transportation manager where his job is strictly to ensure the deployed U.S and coalition troops receive mail, no matter where they are, to and from their loved ones back home. This unique occupation provided him a broad global experience and cultural understanding throughout the years having lived in Japan, Belgium, Italy, Kingdom of Bahrain, and traveled to 26 countries, to include multiple deployments to Iraq.

While stationed in northern Italy, Joshua met with the acclaimed Studio Beat2 Engineer...Irko, Bass guitarist...Maurizio Nizzetto, Pianist…Gianluca Ballarin and the sensational tribal roots band...Zion Love, in collaboration and creation of his debut album "Answer your Calling."

Alo explains the meaning of the album’s title. “Many of us are searching for great purpose and for many of us, whether we are searching or not, have the guiding light to truth and divine calling right in front of us but we are blinded to it by focusing strictly on worldly definitions. We must stop following blind guides (not only in human form) and have the courage to answer our calling and give ourselves to the amazing grace of the Almighty, lift up our hands and grasp this guiding light. No calling is an easy leap of faith and it’s hard to know which direction to go, but as the wind blows, so should we flow. See John 3:8 concerning this wind.”

“Alo's debut left me in awe. Answer Your Calling is best described as an offering from the heart. The incredibly honest rhythm section is a true driving force. A mean, thundering bass combined with well placed heavy drum licks, rootical percussion, seventies organ sounds, guitar and hovering above that are Joshua Alo's angelic breathy vocals and ukulele.” (Teacha Dan, Rootsmusic.nl)

Everywhere he goes, Joshua sings conscious acoustic roots reggae not only to the struggling soldier, but to all inhabitants in first, second and third worlds alike. He writes and sings from the depths of his heart, bringing forth visions of his vast experiences and gained knowledge and insight from his walk of faith in a world of political and spiritual unrest. “Alo has the talent and potential to rise in the reggae world, tempered by honesty and humility, such as demonstrated in his confessional album title song, "Answer Your Calling". This is not only commendable but inspiring for listeners searching for examples of truthfulness and authenticity in Babylon, where examples as such are not always easy to find.” (Jahworks.org magazine)

Alo continues to summarize his album’s message in one sentence…”To stand firm and answer your calling amongst blind guides and to shine light over darkness within the Almighty's creation, all we need is faith, works and a thing called love.”

reviews

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  • Got Style:-)
    author: Arlene

    5 star album... Josh's songs are great, very different from most roots I have heard, he definetly got his own style... Keep it up!!!

  • Answer your calling
    author: James Surveyor

    I give the album a 5 because it's a new sound, the acoustic intro's are unique. I'm from Hopi land and have been lucky enough to grow up to the live sounds of Black Uhuru, the Ark Angels, Damian, and so many others. This having been said, Alo's music is a refreshing sound that keeps me smiling as I cruise, cook, work out, or relax in contemplation. BigUp! Fromma Hopilan, Where the sun always shines, Rastafari!

  • LOVES JOSH ALO
    author: ULI

    THIS CD IS THE ONLY CD I CAN PLAY WITHOUT SKIPPING TRACKS TO GET TO A FAVORITE SONG. THAT ACOUSTIC IRIE VIBE RUNS THROUGH MY BLOOD STREAM AND MAKES ME FEEL SO GOOD. THE LYRICS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND I APPLAUD YOU FOR SHARING YOUR GIFT WITH THE WORLD. YOUR RIGHT THERE BESIDE BOB MARLEY. I HOPE THERE'S MORE TO COME! KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING! JAH BLESS FROM ONE ISLANDER TO ANOTHER! 1LUV *ULI*

  • POSITIVE VIBRATION
    author: MORSPIRIT

    tout d'abord je voudrais remercier joshua alo de ce respectable album, vraiment juste le titre ANSWER YOUR CALLING fait vibrer et aussi les lyrics sont top, respect a toi mon frere et esperons te voir un jour ici au MAROC . respect

  • WOW
    author: SMTN

    I DONT KNOW WHAT 2 SAY... THE BEST ROOTS REGGAE MUZICK IV EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE.. I THANK U....

  • insperation
    author: Ernie de Yuma AZ

    Your music is my insperation, to live a nother day. Thanks so much with LOVE in Yuma Arizona

  • Refreshing wake up call
    author: Keanu Agbayani

    From Irie's feel good mood to the last track on the album, Joshua finds a way to captivate our minds with the cultivation of our dreams through inspirational ballads such as Answer Your Calling, and Faith. Although classified under roots reggae, the genre in which he falls under could be better described as simply conscious music; music for the mind, body and soul. Blessed as a beautiful song writer his greatest attribute is his one of a kind voice that grabs your attention which in turn grasps your mind. He masterfully balances the album switching from uplifting songs of the human inner tribulation such as Stand Firm to heart melting love songs such as Dreaming. Living in a world filled with so much negativity and tyranny; Joshua's album Answer Your Calling is a refreshing wake up call to get up off of your sorrows and LIVE! Keanu Agbayani Poet

  • The Best
    author: Somaboy

    One of the BEST Roots Reggae Ever....

  • Evidence of a TRUE calling!!
    author: Ruby

    What can I say this album is the best I have ever heard,not only is this band ever so BLESSED. The heart of this man is truly one awesome soja of God.Everyone has got to have this as part of there everyday listening music.It is part of mine and I am truly, truly blessed everyday by this album.Much more blessing to you Brotha Joshua!!!

  • author: rls

    This is a must have for all you true roots reggae lovers out there! The album is full of inspirational and uplifting songs that can speak true to many religions and humble souls. It will touch the hearts of many troubled minds out there and remind those who have gone astray. If you are a lost soul this will definitely lift your spirit. The acoustic sounds are beautiful and the album overall is great!

  • This album is Awesome!
    author: Sosefina

    This album is awesome, so is the artist, an amazingly nice young man...Much Aloha's to u Braddah Josh

  • Stoney
    author: EYEZ-A-RED

    A Really Good Job!!! Real Stoney

  • author: Yvette

    Josh's album is one of the few things I look forward to listening to in the morning. He is a man that is much more than just his music. Listen to the words, and you'll be swept away by not only the beats and instrumentals,but also the messages... May Jah bless him on his journeys...

  • Excellent Reggae CD!
    author: Xavier P. for RadioIndy

    Joshua Alo’s “Answer Your Calling” is a spiritually enriching collection of beautifully arranged reggae songs. Joshua’s rich, soothing voice pierces through the instrumentation and pulls you into his musical paradise. An uncommon, yet enticing element that appears in most of the songs on this CD is acoustic guitar openings. For instance, the intros of “Angel” and “Blind Guides” sound like those of acoustic rock/alternative songs. As these songs progress, they make an effortless and seamless transition into the reggae genre with the introduction of groovy beats and catchy electric guitar riffs. Moreover, the lyrics of these graceful tunes are best described as pleasantly compelling – honest, poetic themes of divine purpose, higher callings, and passionate love! Stunning, top-notch production gives this album the right to be called a ‘musical masterpiece!’ Reggae lovers with an appreciation for Bob Marley and Soldiers of Jah Army will be pleasantly surprised by this uplifting work of art!

  • A Must Have!!!
    author: Ted

    The CD is so amazing it defies depiction by mere words alone. I had to buy another copy for my friend to spread the muscial joy and to get my copy back! This CD stays in and plays over and over...amazing in every way...lyrical content on top of real roots vibes...truly a treasure! Braddah Josh is here to stay - one listen and you'll be a believer. Thanks and Praise

  • author: Tizoc Heru Az-zu / Majahsty House of Rastafari

    Beautifully arranged and produced. It is a part of the Chaplains musical library and brothers are lining up to check it out. The soothing, relaxing affect it had on me was definitely needed. I guess loving, spiritual words combined with acoustic guitar and sounds of nature is exactly what the doctor ordered. His C.D. is an excellent piece of work. "Paradise" & "A Thing Called Love" are my favorite tracks.

  • A rare find album for the masses
    author: J. Alexander / Muntu Entertainment

    “ANSWER YOUR CALLING”…the title itself is enough to make you want more. A rare find album for the masses. Not only does it touch you musically, it moves you spiritually!”

  • Spiritualation!!
    author: Sistah Jah Figueroa

    Joshua Alo produced a Gift. Not only was the Gift FOR him to sing and bring forth, but it was also FROM him, and given with much Love and Positive Vibes to the people of the world. The rhythm, instruments, lyrics and strong energy from those involved in this project made a perfect combination to make this cd what it is - NEW WINE. If you don't already have a copy of "Answer Your Calling" then I highly recommend it! You will guarantee be taken into a deep meditation once you hear the flow of the beat, and the lyrics thereof. This is truely Good FRUIT, produced by a Good TREE, which springs up from a Foundation in which the message beneath "Answer Your Calling" is all about - A HIGHER FAITH. Get the cd, and you will hold the power to experience a vibe never yet felt before, until now....All we need is Faith.

  • ENOUGH POSITIVE VIBES TO PART THE RED SEA.
    author: Seoni Faustina

    EH EVERYBODY. DIS IS BRADDAH SEONI. I INVITE YOU ALL TO CHECK OUT BRADDAH JOSHUA ALO. HES THE MOST IRIE GUY I KNOW ON AND OFF THE MIC. DIS BRADDAH LOVES MUSIC SO MUCH THAT A SIX HOUR STRAIGHT JAM SESSION WITH NO INTERMISSION DOESN'T EVEN SATISFY HIS AMAZING DRIVE TO SING AND SPREAD POSITIVE VIBES THROUGH THE HEARTS OF MAN. LISTEN TO HIS CONSCIOUS LYRICS AND YOU'LL SEE THE PURITY OF HIS HEART AND FEEL ENOUGH POSITIVE VIBES TO PART THE RED SEA. BRADDAH IS SO IRIE THAT HES EVEN DONATING HIS PROCEEDS TO HELP OUT THOSE WHO AINT AS FORTUNATE. LISTEN TO "ANSWER YOUR CALLING" AND YOU'LL SEE FOR YOUR SELF. BRADDAH JOSH IS ALSO ON MYSPACE SO HIT HIM UP AND SEE FOR YOURSELF THE PURITY OF HIS HEART...

  • good roots reggae
    author: Judy Mowatt

    a friend told me about this artist he is really good!

  • author: Joshua Wells

    I've listened to a lot of reggae music in my life, but "Answer Your Calling" takes the cake. Joshu Alo's messages in his songs are so deep, and his music is so calming, it's hard to take off the headphones. Some of my favorites are "Irie", "Angel", and "Dreaming". His guitar solos and amazing vocals make the CD beyond worthwhile. God Bless, and "always stay Irie!"

  • Great Music!!
    author: Shane Ne

    Joshua Alo's debut album, in my opinion, is arguably one of the best albums of the year. Every track on the album is great. I don't need to skip a track ... EVER!!

  • AWESOME MUSIC!!! I highly recommend this C.D.
    author: Hope

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