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It isn't often that an Oklahoma-born white musician earns praise for his approach to roots reggae in Jamaica, but singer and songwriter Joseph Israel is a pretty singular guy, and his blend of soul, jazz, folk, world, and reggae, while not exactly innovative, is certainly infectious. Born Joseph Montgomery Fennel in Tulsa, OK, Israel grew up listening to reggae music and fell early under the spell of classic artists like Bob Marley and Burning Spear. By the time he was a teenager, his parents began taking him on regular visits to Jamaica, which only intensified Israel's interest in the music and, over time, his interest in Rasta culture as well. Back in the States, now living in Arkansas, Israel began to emulate the music he loved and formed the roots band Kepha in 2000. The group built a loyal fan base and self-released a CD before folding. Israel then formed the Lions of Israel, and the new band began opening for Jamaican acts touring through the area, including a show for Ziggy Marl...