Island Head plays music for people who love the islands, the beaches, the lifestyle and most of all, THE MUSIC! The players in this all-star line-up have won Grammys, played on, arranged, produced and written hit songs, appeared on television, in movies and toured the world.
Take two legendary reggae guitarists, add one of the most influential keyboard players in pop /R&B history, layer two of the most eclectic horn players in the world on top of some of the funkiest rockin’ New York City bass and drums, then…let it simmer down.
The band combines the essence of their collective musical lifetime experiences. “We take the listener on a musical journey to a fun place where there is jamming, dancing, laughing, partying and all the things that everyone loves about music. We wanted to make a recording that would remind us why we are musicians.
The debut album, “Punky Reggae Party” has mostly compositions by Bob Marley with unique grooves and arrangements. Their live shows include some classic American vocal tunes done reggae style and some classic Jamaican reggae. Island Head is for people who love reggae music, jambands, and appreciate live interaction of musicians creating spontaneous music.
NOTE: This band is sometimes referred to as Island Head Musicians, Island Head Band or Islandhead.
HEAR WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT ISLAND HEAD
“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”
“What a piece of art!” “I confess that this is one of the best instrumental tributes to the immortal songs of Marley The Wailers I ever heard. Arrangements and Production are first-class. – Paulo Matos – “”Reggae Portugal”
"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)
The Island Head album “Punky Reggae Party” was chosen as one of the 25 best reggae albums of the year! The band are extremely proud of this honor that was bestowed upon them by the Midnight Raver Blog, the premier blog on reggae music.
Other reggae artists on this list include Milton Henry, Sly & Robbie, The Mighty Diamonds, Eek-A-Mouse, Junior Marvin (of the Wailers) Protoje, Addis Pablo and The Suns of Dub, Meta & The Cornerstones, Cedric Congo, Mikey Dread and Kabaka Pyramid. There is even a newly released Deluxe Edition of the album “Kaya” by Bob Marley & The Wailers.
Island Head visited SiriusXM Studios in New York City where they performed three songs exclusively for the reggae radio station “The Joint” on channel 42. Program director Pat McKay hosted an interview with the band.
“We had so much fun hangin’ with Pat. We had a lot of laughs and she is so cool”, said sax player Timmy Cappello. Pat teased Timmy about his on-stage sexual innuendos during his touring days with Tina Turner. Pat said; “She came on to you, didn’t she”? The room burst into laughter as Timmy said; “I ain’t sayin’ nothin'”.
When it came time to play the band got serious as they did new versions of “Burnin’ and Lootin’ and “Punky Reggae Party”, both Bob Marley and The Wailers covers. The band’s instrumental version of Bob Marley’s “So Much Trouble in the World” has been airing for months on The Joint. Now, the live version is also being aired.
You can catch all three live performances on SiriusXM as well as some studio cuts from the album “Punky Reggae Party”.