Artist description Jonkanooz creates original music you don’t hear everyday on pop radio. The style is reggae with a roots rock, blues, jazz, ska, country, and hip-hop influence. Jamaican singer-songwriter Nooz is the man behind the music and words on the band’s debut CD, Wake The Town. If his lyrics have an authentic, gritty quality, it’s because Nooz pretty much writes from his life experiences. The artist was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where a chance encounter with Ziggy Marley guitarist Chinna Smith led to his becoming the youngest member of Soul Syndicate, Jamaica’s legendary recording band. Among his many outside influences are Bob Marley & the Wailers, Skatalites trombonist Don Drummond, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Sublime, and the Clash. Nooz is joined on Wake the Town by a cast of characters that include Eek-A-Mouse bassist Tyrone Flapper Minnot, Steel Pulse keyboardist Sydney Mills, and jazz trombonist Alex LoDico, among others. The artist took the band’s name from Jamaica’s traditional masquerade known as John Canoe (or Jonkunnu)--a blend of music, masks, and dance. Jonkunnu ceremony embodies the return of ancestral spirits to bring prosperity on islanders, as well as impart wisdom.

Music Style Reggae with rock, blues, hip-hop and jazz influences

Musical Influences Everything and everyone.

Similar Artists This isn't something we've given much thought to. Who do we remind you of? Hopefully, we have a sound that's unique to us. We'll let you decide.

Group Members Record project members: Nooz (vocals, songwriting), Paul "Cudjoe" Morris (keyboards), Tyrone "Flapper" Minott (bass), and guest performers: Alex LoDico (trombone), Boomie (guitar), Jay Stovall (guitar), Carl Moxum (drums, guitar), Afari (djembe).

Instruments Bass, drums, guitars, keyboard, horns, percussion.

Albums Wake the Town: Now available online at CD Baby and CD Street.

Location Brooklyn, New York - USA

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