Born and raised in Hawaii, Joshua Alo began experimenting with his love of music as a teenager, strumming his ukulele and acoustic guitar on the island of Oahu. Joshua is also the first enlisted solider (with the U.S. Air Force) to release a reggae album. He operates as mail transportation manager where his job is to ensure the deployed U.S and coalition troops receive mail, no matter where they are, to and from their loved ones back home. In his time with the Air Force Joshua has travelled extensively and has been deployed to both Oman and Iraq. This has given him both an interesting perspective and insight into many different cultures, religions and conflicts around the world.

The album was recorded with the tribal roots band Zion Love when he was stationed in Northern Italy. Apparently Joshua recorded the tunes in-between working his military shifts and putting in a host of overtime to raise the required capitol. The result of this hard work is a twelve track album of laid back, peaceful, roots music, suited to a chilled Sunday afternoon or a warm sunset summer night. This is real meditation music, with each track taking on a down tempo style, with slow, meaningful bass-lines, enriching use of the acoustic guitar and deeply emotional lyrics.

The opening track ‘Irie’ sums up the whole album for me, with Joshua singing of ‘positive vibrations from the depths of the soul’; the bass throbbing through the speakers, sprinkled with some rousing precision and splendid acoustic solos. The tune ‘Angel’ opens with another sublime acoustic solo before dropping into a relaxing roots vibe. ‘Blind Guides’ is a stunning song, full of spirituality, first rate musicianship and insightful lyrics born from first-hand experience. There are several other highpoints throughout this album, including ‘Stand Firm’, ‘Dreaming’ and the title track, ‘Answer Your Calling’. Each song stands on its own merits and the whole albums shares the common theme of traditional one drop, deep down roots vibes.

‘Answer Your Calling’ is a very impressive debut album, showcasing the exciting talents of Joshua Alo. Some people may raise an eyebrow and question the validity of a US soldier’s involvement in the roots genre, but I feel the music speaks for itself and I would suggest that you approach this release with an open mind – you won’t be disappointed.

Review by JumpUp

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