With Poetry in Motion, SOJA inject a little musical positivity into a troubled world—to “let a little light out,” as they sing on opener “Moving Stones,” which combines roots-reggae rhythms with classic-rock shredding.

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

Over the course of nearly 15 years, SOJA (aka Soldiers of Jah Army) have been quietly turning into one of the most solid and accomplished reggae bands in the U.S. Despite an undeniably powerful instrumental sound, their progress was slowed early on by bandleader Jacob Hemphill‘s vocal affectations, which explicitly evoked Bob Marley and made him sound both annoying and somewhat ridiculous. Continue Reading