Culmination of the Fates

I heard about Matisyahu a while back. I cannot say for sure where but there is a list of press coverage and I see National Public Radio.

I remember that the story played some clips. The music is a culmination of a variety of styles: rap, roots reggae, jam bands, and religious among others. The religious one stuck out because the name sounds cathcy and fun-loving. These are not necessarily things I associate with Hasidic Jews...that's right Hasidic. I do not know much about the group except that it is very Orthodox. The paradox of this musical styling and that orthodoxy is interesting to say the least. Like most good stuff I hear the sweep of life took me.

The other day I was lucky to get the Buffalo State College, WBNY 91.3, radio station way down in the Southtowns. Lo and behold this yahoo came on and his DJing is too college-y but he played Matisyahu. It was awesome stuff. The same kid played some Mood Cultivation Project.

Today Artvoice, Buffalo's Alternative Weekly, had an ad for Matisyahu coming to town. Lucky for me remembered that my mobile phone has a voice recorder. I googled them all today.

I realize that I know nothing but stereotypes of Hasidic Judiasm. Matisyahu was a deadhead and phishhead. He's had spiritual awakenings/rekonings while camping. His website biography lent more to my interest. I checked out some of his music on Napster. True to his deadhead roots, he has some live shows through etree. I cannot wait to ask for a CD for Christmas (I hope this isn't an offensive joke? Let me know and I'll edit.)

I only caught one Mood Cultivation Project tune before my daughters melted down and we headed home. It was clearly int he realm of jam bands witha little New Orleans, bluesy taste to it. I need to hear some more and their own website has tunes to download. Again in jam band fashion they point you to etree. too.

Mood Cultivation Project