Cas Haley is a singer/guitarist from Paris, Texas. His self-titled album charted as the #8 Best selling reggae album of 2008 on the Billboard Charts.

Raised by musician parents, Cas grew up surrounded by the sounds of blues and 60s-70s rock. He got serious about the guitar at age 12 and was “taught by the tribe” of musicians passing through the house.

Also prominent at home were the Bob Marley records his mother would play, which made a profound impression. After a period of heavy immersion in the sounds of the ska/punk/skateboard culture, Cas was blown away by the classic reggae-pop of bands like UB40 and Sublime, and his mature style began to take shape.

His crystalline voice and funky, easygoing beats earned Cas a second-place finish on America’s Got Talent, which in turn netted him a measure of fame and a following. But the contest also locked the Texan singer/songwriter/guitarist into a major label deal that didn’t feel right. So, not wanting to be turned into a manufactured product, he struck out on his own. The superb result: Connection, a collection of songs basking in the philosophical and musical maturity that comes from staying true to his artistic vision.

Today’s Irie Wednesday Toker Tune, “Dread Head Dream” is from Cas Haley’s self-titled debut album. Learn more about Cas Haley at http://www.myspace.com/cas.haley and be sure to purchase his music on i-tunes Cas Haley

Download audio file (Cas Haley – Dread Head Dream.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

Having gained popularity in the mid 90′s, Spice has performed at all major shows staged locally namely Reggae Sun Splash , White River Reggae Bash, Rebel Salute and many others. Spice has opened shows for the likes of Chaka Demus and Pliers, Spanner Banner and Rita Marley on extensive tours of Europe and the United States 1996-1997.

More recently, a remix of one of his more popular tracks, “Marijuana” by Digital Mystikz’s Coki, re-named “Burnin’” has focused more attention to him in the blossoming dubstep scene coming out of the UK. The original version of “Marijuana” also appears on the “These Are Serious Times” modern reggae compilation on XL Recordings.

Check out Richie Spice at www.myspace.com/inthestreetstoafrica and purchase his music on i-tunes Richie Spice

Download audio file (Richie Spice – Marijuana.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

In the summer of 2010, Josh Heinrichs will be releasing his highly anticipated, first full length, solo album since disbanding Jah Roots last year. The album, ‘Josh Heinrichs & Friends,’ will feature a diverse & highly talented mix from today’s current, international, reggae scene. Some of the artists collaborating in the studio with Josh are Cas Haley, members of Katchafire, Inna Vision, Ooklah The Moc, Clear Conscience, 77 Jefferson, as well as others, yet to be announced.

Josh Heinrichs founded Jah Roots in 2001, along with four musician-friends from his hometown of Springfield, MO. Over the following eight years, they released five studio albums and toured extensively throughout the USA. During this time, Heinrichs wrote a number of songs that eventually gained fantastically large on-line notoriety, and were downloaded en masse all over the world. The band’s success was recognized in the official media outlets of such locales as Guam, Hawaii and New Zealand. However, after years playing to overflowing crowds at outdoor festivals and packed mid-sized venues, the toll of non-stop touring began to take a personal toll, and Heinirchs decided to step away from the band he had taken so far, in order to devote more time to his wife and children.

Be on the look out for Josh Henrich and Friends to be released on August 24th. Today’s Toker Tune is a live version of “Spliff and My Lady from the CD “Josh Heinrichs and The Soul Riddim Band Live at Schwagstock.

You can check out more Josh Heinrichs music and his tour schedule at www.facebook.com/JoshHeinrichsReggae www.myspace.com/joshuaheinrichs and you may purchase Josh’s music on i-tunes Josh Heinrichs

Download audio file (Josh Heinrichs – Spliff And My Lady.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

The Fellows are an interesting band out of London. They are: Blazay, Boo-geois-Z, MC Tremendous, and MC Tea. Their main influences are: Ancient Mabutu, Old Man Time, the Great British Weather and Chingy.

Although their isn’t much biographical information available about The Fellows, they tell me this; The Fellows are a group of chaps from the old school, they went to school together, a good school. Whilst at school there was a younger pupil (the silver gnome) who they mistreated for being silver. After school they lost touch and went about their lives, all excelling in their various fields. Life on Earth during this time became tense, people grew weary and began abusing one another. As a result search parties were sent out across the universe for a better life, at the very same time it so happened The Visfincta were doing that very same thing. What ensued then was a galactic tug of war and help was sent for.

You can read about the rest of The Fellows intergalactic battles with Gangster Buddhists and such at http://www.myspace.com/thefellowswhocutthehay also be sure to check out their interesting website at www.thefellowswhocutthehay.com

Download audio file (The Fellows – On Trial.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

Skyhouse is the musical mothership of Harris Levon McRae & Bets Pott. Both Bets and Harris are songwriters and multi-instrumentalists playing an interesting mix of musical instruments including guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, banjo, harmonica, and percussion. They have developed a sound that they have coined “Freggae”. It is a combination of Folk Rock/Reggae with all kinds of other things thrown in.

Bets and Harris have really embraced the concept of the sound system—a group of DJs and engineers contributing and working together as one, often playing and producing one particular kind of music such as reggae or hip-hop to rock the party. The duo has expanded the concept to include a wide variety of music and many types of musicians. House in the Sky’s crew members have been some of the most creative in the galaxy. They include Mel Neher on saxophone, Mike Braun of Hall & Oates and Ken Woodside on drums, and Joe Root on keyboards.

Today’s Irie Wednesday Toker Tune, “Marry Wanna” is another nominee of the Marijuana Music Awards. Find out more about House in the Sky at http://www.myspace.com/skyhousemusic

You may purchase the music of Skyhouse on i-tunes

Download audio file (Skyhouse – Marry Wanna.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

Souls of Love – the deep, inside feeling of oneness with self and others encompassing the true meaning of love, coming from the soul. Souls of Love is a reggae music collective assembled by ILocks, the longtime keyboardist and backing vocalist for Eek-A-Mouse and Ras Michael and The Sons Of Negus. Throughout his career, ILocks has bridged the gap between the black urban culture of Los Angeles and the influx of reggae music.

At a young age his father taught him a musical lesson that he will never forget. ILocks remembers the story with a twinkle that is ever present in his eyes. “He taught me how to sing and play Soul music, he taught me what Soul really is, which is Love.” It is with this spirit that ILocks formed the Souls of Love with his wife, Geri Love Walker, his eldest son Elijah Walker on bass and his longtime friend and collaborator, Gerald Couchman behind the drum-kit. Marc Rey and Freddie Flint are frequent collaborators on guitar, as well as Mekiel Reuben on saxophone.

Today’s Irie Wednesday Toker Tune is “Free Up The Flowers” which is has been nominated for the 2010 Marijuana Music Awards. It is also for sale on i-tunes

Check out other music by Souls of Love at http://www.soulsoflove.com and http://www.myspace.com/soul39soflove

Download audio file (Souls of Love – Free Up The Flowers.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

Errol Blackwood was born in the Accompong Hills of Jamaica.
His love for music comes from a variety of sources, from the church of his father who was a pastor, the Nyah Drummers of the hills, and the jukebox playing Country and Rhythm n Blues.

In 1980, Errol formed the band Messenjah. They recorded two albums and toured extensively for 6 years traveling across Canada and the U.S.A. When Messenjah disbanded in 1986, lead singer and bass player Errol Blackwood started a solo career. For his many scheduled club and concert performances throughout Canada and the US, he brought together several talented musicians in 1988 to create the band Injah, bringing a new sound to the Canadian reggae music scene.

Injah’s talented members have varied slightly over the past two decades but one thing remains constant – their sound is a remarkable blend of many musical influences as they continue to create music that appeals to true lovers of roots reggae music in Canada and around the world.

My favorite line from today’s Toker Tune, “Holy Smokes” is “Barack Obama the leader of the free world but he have to hide in a closet just to smoke up a spliff.”

Learn more about Errol Blackwood and Injah at www.indiejungle.xbuild.com

Download audio file (Erroll Blackwood and Injah – Holy Smokes.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

This groups new “Gypsy Reggae” sound is being embraced by everyone, from folk lovers, reggae snowboarders to rock’n’rollers. HannaH*s Field breaks through pop and surface to what lies deep within us all. They play songs of prayer, parties, praise, pot and peace. While rocking with powerful African drum beats, this amazing singer-songwriter takes you along in her world of her happy love-filled heart to the pain of loss that touches us all. She opens the door to her own spirituality and shares with us the way for each one of us to truly be ourselves. Accompanied by her talented, djembe jivin’ sidekick, Andy Ardenski, HannaH*s Field has developed a gypsy reggae sound that is truly unique and inspirational.

Today’s Irie Wednesday Toker Tune “Free The Weed On 4/20″ is a track off HannaH*s new CD, “Music, Magic & Medicine” which will be
released this summer with a vegetarian cookbook by Bongo Bliss.

You can learn more about HannaH*s Field and purchase their music at www.hannahsgroove.com.

Download audio file (HannaH’s Field- Free the Weed.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

The press and industry discovered Kirton long before his mainstream bid. His press kit is one accolade after another. He has played SXSW, won three Barbados Music Awards in 08 including song, video and Reggae artist of the year, and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Today’s Irie Wednesday Toker Tune “Green Camouflage” from David’s “Time For Change” CD comes to us from Tokin Tam at the Marijuana Music Awards.

You may learn more about David Kirton at www.davidkirton.com and www.myspace.com/davidkirtonmusic . You may also purchase his music on i-tunes

Download audio file (David Kirton – Green Camouflage.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access

George “Wild Life” Scott hails from the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies. As most people from the rural parishes do, he came to Kingston with his mother where he attended school. He is an Alignment Technician by day and a musician at night.

Years ago Wild Life recorded his first tune, “Work So Hard” with Caveman, the musical teacher of reggae superstars like Luciano, Sizzla, and Jah Cure.

Wild Life is currently working with Reggae Legend Bunny Wailer and has a tune on the Tek Set Album Volume 1 called “Farming Time” co-written by Bunny.

Today’s Irie Wednesday Toker Tune, Ganja Yard, is another song that will in the running for the Marijuana Music Awards which you can check out at www.marijuanamusicawards.com

Learn more about Wild Life at http://www.myspace.com/wildestlife and purchase his music on i-tunes.

Download audio file (Wild Life – Ganja Yard.mp3)

Download Link: Secret Stash - Register to access