SOLDIERS OF JAH ARMY: Get Wiser

Soldiers of Jah Army

Get Wiser

© 2006 SOJA LLC (837101120494)

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The music is rooted in reggae, and the branches are strong with influences of rock, alternative and hip-hop, creating for them a truly unique sound. This is conscious, original, and creative music with a message.

notes

Brand new album from DC Metro Area- Based SOJA. Innerloop Records proudly presents these 14 tracks of original, conscious music with a message.
Co-produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by veteran sound engineer Jim Fox at LION and FOX Studios. Guest musicians include Junior Marvin (additional guitars) of the original Bob Marley and The Wailers; Carmelo Romero (vocals), Jahaziel Garcia (trumpet), and Misael Clemente (sax and flute) of Puerto Rico’s Gomba Jahbari; Go-go Mickey (percussion) of DC’s own Rare Essence, and a string quartet led by DC native Eddie Drennon who was a member of Bo Diddley’s band.


A Review by C. Lizaire (Celebritycafe.com)

"Conscious. Melodious. Soulful. As with the profound spiritual, and elevating musical experience of Bob Marley, “the mellow mood has got me.” On “Get Wiser,” the DC-based Soldiers of Jah Army (SOJA) effortlessly induces a state of relaxation and cultural immersion. The roots quintet, functioning much like the five fingers of an outstretched hand, branches out, taping into influences from Latin to rock, and as a whole delivers a potent fistful of original, stimulating roots reggae.

Endowed with the passionate, sincere vocals of lead singers Jacob Hemphill (guitar) and Bob Jefferson (bass); blessed with an inclination for infectious, engaging arrangements; and grounded by a deep-seated reverence for roots as a music form and vital bough of Jamaican culture, SOJA will win your heart and a place in the annals of reggae music.

The warmth and contemplation of “Open My Eyes” stir the mind and body. The love jam “By My Side” makes tangible the bittersweet longing and uncertainty of romance, while playful springs and staccato percussions frame the sweet melody of “Faith Works” on a journey towards enlightenment. All, in keeping with the theme of “Get Wiser,” as explained by Hemphill: “…that’s the idea. We as a society tend to have blinders on. We are trying to uplift peoples’ consciousness by breaking down what makes us blind. To do this, we got to bring back truth. People get wiser.”

If after hearing “Get Wiser,” your craving for more SOJA becomes insatiable, visit sojamusic.com for upcoming dates and locations of band’s “Get Wiser” Tour 2006."

Reviewer: C. Lizaire (Celebritycafe.com)

reviews

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  • Visualite Theater Charlotte, NC
    author: Janice

    First time I have ever enjoyed Reggae so much in my 54 years of life as when my son took me to see SOJA this past summer of 2007. We purchased 2 of their cd's and have been turning SOJA's music on to everyone we know. Thank you so much for such a great show and music. Should you ever be in the West virginia area I would love to know. I shall bring all the kids (25 to 30 years old), there are alot of them. Thanks again and Peace, Janice

  • great
    author: p-o-darkness

    this CD is great like the others good music and so much positive

  • so uplifting and inspiring to listen to...
    author: corby white

    Great music to sing along with, positive and uplifting!

  • I LOVE SOJA
    author: Amber

    the cd is fricken awsome...and i got it really fast....thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • It was Perfect..Nothing went wrong.I was happy to order..thanks for your busines
    author: Timothy

    It was Perfect..Nothing went wrong.I was happy to order..thanks for your business..It would have been a 5 Star rating if in fact you also included an additional feature, such as a sticker..

  • Forget who it is...it is one of the best reggae albums.
    author: Asheville-NC

    Well the first thing I noticed was the amazing production quality. Being an engineer myself I give big ups to Jim Fox up in DC. The second is the songwriting is tight and soulful. These gentleman have something to say , and say it they do. From love songs to cries for political justice they bring it. I must say I enjoy it from front to back every listen.

  • ire tunes
    author: ORegon herb man

    i saw SOJA in my home town, they throw a great show. the most IRE music Around. smoke and listen

  • A must have!!
    author: Smurff

    This CD is great. If you enjoyed SOJA's first CD this is a must have for you. All you freeloaders out there, this CD is worth every penny! Thanks CD BABY.

  • unbelievable
    author: camille starr

    it's life changing! It will give you such a positive feeling all the time. It changes your mentality, SOJA is by far the most amazing group i have ever heard. It's all I listen to, it's SO powerful it just takes over. I've really never heard anything so inspirational.

  • Great album!
    author: Erin

    Great beats, can listen to it over and over. The lyrics are awesome, and seem to speak to everyone. Fantastic!

  • Damn son
    author: Phillip Sasser

    I agree withv everyone here. SOJA is original, positive, and addicting. If you have a 6-disk cd player, this cd will be the one that ends up staying in there the entire time.

  • SOJA... a blessing
    author: Danyo Cummings

    This album is definitely one of my favorite CDs of all time. As a reggae fan in this day and age it's hard to find reggae artists who still carry out messages of positivity and truth. However, Soldiers of Jah Army maintains the essence of uplifting reggae all while delivering a solid sound. 'Get Wiser' is an amazing album that proves exactly how great these guys are at sending positivity while maintaining a great sound. I suggest track 10 "Sorry" and track 12 "You Don't Know Me". Give thanks for Soldiers of Jah Army!

  • Tight!
    author: Jahworks.org

    Apart from being uttered during the intro to one song, the words "Soldiers of Jah Army" are nowhere to be found on the outside or inside of this disc. Rest assured, though, that this is the same reggae band out of Washington D.C. who brought forth the stunning "Peace in a Time of War" album a couple of years ago. Whether or not they've officially changed their moniker is a mystery to me. What remains certain is that they're one of the finest reggae outfits in the U.S. "Get Wiser" is full of the same stabbing riddims, insightful lyrics, quietly pleading vocals and expert playing as its predecessor while also going for a harder edge that doesn't sacrifice the roots feel. You might raise an eyebrow upon hearing some of the rockish guitar solos or the fact that the final track, the faith-affirming "Devils," is a pensive ballad complete with a string quartet. But at the end of the day this is a reggae album and a very strong one at that. SOJA take the disc's title to heart, with reflective songs like "My Life Alone" and "Sorry" addressing love and understanding on personal and empathetic levels that the roots-rock arrangements prop up perfectly. Tight grooves hook you from the outset and the understated power of the words and music keep you there for the duration as well as subsequent listenings. Guests include former Wailers guitarist Junior Marvin, Rare Essence percussionist Go-Go Mickey and members of Puerto Rico's Gomba Jahbari, who add some Latin flair with horns and Spanish vocals. A consistently great CD, adhering to reggae's core values while sporting a progressive spirit which rocks that core in all the right ways.

  • Great album
    author: Nate

    Reggae music is a beautiful thing, SOJA is keeping the spirit of reggae alive. I found out about the group when I learned that Junior Marvin was on the album it's was a must buy! I haven't stopped listening to this album straight through since I bought it.. I don't think it's going to be leaving my CD player for a loooong time.

  • awesome cd. best one yet!
    author: alyssa

    i think that this cd is very different from the rest. it's probably one of their best cd's that they have made. i love all of the songs!

  • nice
    author: Dread (DC)

    Roots fans need to cop this. Easily the equal to "Peace In A Time Of War," which I thought was a classic. "Get Wiser" shows a more musically mature and diversified SOJA, but they wisely (pun intended) stuck with what they do best -- crafting profound, top-quality, jammin' roots reggae. Plus, any reggae album with local DC legend Go-Go Mickey bangin away has got to be a classic. Along with Groundation (please check out any and all of their albums), SOJA is pretty much the top of the food chain when it comes to real old-school roots reggae these days. Never thought I'd see the day when the best new roots bands would be coming from the U.S., rather than Jamaica or the UK. But SOJA, Groundation, Midnite, John Browns Body, (the related) 10-Foot Ganja Plant and even Matisyahu -- all either from the US or US based -- are definitely representing. Of course, some of the old guard from JA and UK (Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, etc.) are still holding it down, but the best of the new blood is here. Anyway, I digress, buy the album.

  • Sweet Riddims

    This CD is exactly what the artist name entails. Buy It! Fast Shipping

  • Good stuff
    author: Brett

    Cd has a good vibe, all the songs are different but still great, I don't usually buy a cd unless I like many of the songs on it, and this was one of those cases

  • Cabron!!
    author: Jose Ivan

    El CD esta cabron. los temas tienen que ver con las cosas que estan pasando hoy dia, las letras estan buenas y creo que es el mejor CD de SOJA hasta ahora. Jah love.

  • Buy the fukin CD
    author: Tallia

    Let me put it like this... no disrespect to the Wailers... but I went to see these guys open for them and when the Wailers came on everyone left... these guys are the best thing youve never heard

  • Best CD Ive bought in the last year worth every penny
    author: Ben Ruemke

    My new Favorite soldiers song is Devils which is absolutly beuitiful but this is the type of album that you will listen to from start to finish.

  • Get Wiser by SOJA is a great album and well worth the purchase
    author: Lindsay Libhart

    Get Wiser is a great album, in my opinon the best so far. The message, talent, and guests make this album a must have. We can't wait until they come to Jacksonville Beach, FLA so we can see it live.

  • *****
    author: Reggae-Reviews.com

    Get Wiser (SOJA, 2005) With the release of Get Wiser, it’s safe to include Soldiers of Jah Army among the very best American reggae bands today. Not that their previous work didn’t warrant this distinction, but it’s just hard to judge an act on a body of work that includes only one EP and one LP. Now that they have “more body,” though, you’ve got to rank them up there with Groundation and John Brown’s Body as far as US groups go. Comparing Get Wiser to Peace in a Time of War, there’s a sense of evolution. The melodies are a bit more distinct, the structure a bit more rock-like, and the music a bit fuller and more diverse, incorporating elements of rock, pop, dancehall, and even go-go. While some reggae purists may initially scoff at this mix of styles, a quick listen should prove that Get Wiser is not only well-rooted in the reggae sound, but it’s just as good (probably slightly better than) their first album. Apart from the straightforward pop/rock finale “Devils” (still an effective tune), every track resonates with rootsy goodness, occasionally spiced up with DJ chats from bassist Robert Jefferson (as on “Works” and “Be Aware”), electric guitar riffs (”My Life Alone,” “911″), and the brilliant use of local go-go icon Go-Go Mickey on the kinetic “Sorry.” As a whole, the album is an emotional powerhouse driven by tight music and Jocob Hemphill’s vocals, with tracks ranging from melancholy ruminations (”My Life Alone,” “I’ve Got Time”) to fiery exhortations (”What Would,” “Be Aware”) to tender love songs (”Can’t Tell Me”) to funky, classic roots jams (”Strong for Them,” “Bring Back Truth”). Get Wiser could be the album that gets SOJA the national exposure they deserve. Rating- 5 Stars

  • Can't stop listening to it
    author: Sorbs

    Great - great great. Do you like roots reggae? Do you dislike the way things are going in the world? If so - buy this CD.

  • realy cool! pure roots rock reggae yes i jah bless!
    author: joao mordido

    it came in perfect condition, realy cool cd! thx a lot! JHA BLESS

  • simply amazing
    author: justin walton

    this cd is simply amazing the vocils are soo powerfull and filled with soo much passion and words of wisdom i didn't think i would ever be able to say that they could make a cd better than peace in a time of war but they did this cd is rock solid from start to finish and u can really hear how they grew as a band and they definatly grew in a amazing way i would definatly recomend this cd and if u don't have any of the others u definatly need to get them as well

  • Crucial
    author: DJ Bahilman

    It’s been roughly 4 years since the release of SOJA’s first full-length album, the classic “Peace In A Time Of War,” which became one of the standard-bearers for modern US roots reggae. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform live last summer at SNWMF, and even though they had an 11 AM slot on the Village Stage, they absolutely mashed the place up, and not only did they convince the massive that they were as good as their buzz, the abundance of new material hinted at an upcoming CD. All too often, a great band follows up its breakthrough first album with a flame-out sophomore effort (anybody remember the Spin Doctors?), usually because they try to milk the same formula that worked the first time. SOJA didn’t fall into that trap, but instead built upon their solid roots foundation with some new sounds, including influences from their South American touring. I’ve listened to this CD non-stop for a week, including for 5 hours while my wife delivered our son last week (at her insistence), and I can tell you with certainty that this is a flat-out crucial disc. Two tracks that came out several years ago on a SOJA sampler disc are updated here. “9-1-1″ is an upbeat tune with a message that’s not hard to deduce from the title, and “You Don’t Know Me” showcases some peppy keyboard work. Ras Bob- heavily influenced by artists such as Anthony B- is featured as a surprisingly good conscious chatter on the tracks “Be Aware” and “Faith Works.” “Sorry” is a special tune in the DC go-go style blended with reggae, and is already receiving some crossover radio play. Na fret, there’s stuff for the hardcore rootsman here too, because, after all, roots reggae remains this band’s strongest style. “Open My Eyes” has some ethereal guitar and a driving bass riddim, and opens the disc in fine style. “Bring Back Truth” (”what people want, you know, is just someone to bring back truth…that’s what I was born to do”) is a killer tune, made even better by some stellar horn work from Gomba Jahbari. “Strong For Them” is another rootical gem with fine Gomba Jahbari support. A song that kind of slipped by me on the first listen might just be the sleeper here- “Can’t Tell Me” sends a clear message to those who feel like judging the band with one of the better verses I’ve read in a while: I like women and I love getting high I like a house and a car just fine but I love Jah and Creation too, and I don’t really care if it’s all right with you. I love my family even the bald heads, and I love my friends even with no dreads cuz we all get by and to ourselves be true- and I don’t really care if it’s Rasta to you SOJA is: Jacob Hemphill (vocals, guitar), Bob Jefferson (bass, vocals), Ken Brownell (percussion), Ryan Berty (drums) and mi bredren Patrick O’Shea (keyboards). They’re the real deal people. Go to www.sojamusic.com for this crucial disc.

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