Over the past two years, one of the most prevalent names to plant a flag for reggae music in the Midwest is a man by the name of Josh Heinrichs.
Formerly the lead singer of Jah Roots, Heinrichs has always led with his voice and his soulful guitar licks. His style, both onstage and in the studio, has attracted numerous artists to pick up the phone 
requesting an appearance on their album or vice versa.
Upon releasing the highly successful Josh Heinrichs & Friends album on September 28th, 2010, which debuted at number four on the iTunes Reggae Charts, many of Heinrichs’ friends have asked to be featured on another album of the similar nature. Josh Heinrichs & Friends featured appearances by Caleb Keolanui of The Green, Koko from Inna Vision, Hani Totorewa of Katchafire, Heinrichs’ touring buddy Cas Haley, Aston “Family Man” Barrett of Bob Marley and The Wailers, as well as full bands Clear Conscience, 77 Jefferson and The Soul Riddim Band.
After catching up with Josh Heinrichs regarding his recent trip to Austin, TX for the Wildfire festival, he mentioned that a Josh Heinrichs & Friends #2 is in the works. A release date has not yet been determined, but Heinrichs hinted at a September aiming point. “Nothing set in stone,” Heinrichs said. “But, I am planning on releasing a Josh Heinrichs and Friends #2 album this year. There were a few people who wanted or intended to be on the first album, but it just didn’t work out.”
As for the special guests to be featured on the upcoming album, well, fans of Ashes of Babylon will be pleased to hear their vocal harmonies and brass loud and clear on Heinrichs’ second edition.
“Ashes of Babylon has an incredible horn and harmony section, so that is in the works for the album.” Fans of one of Los Angeles’ fastest rising Roots Reggae bands, Fortunate Youth will also find their way onto the upcoming release. Heinrichs pointed out that, “I also heard from Dan Kelly and Fortunate Youth about working together, not just Dan and I, but the full band. To hear that they are all into my music… It’s truly amazing!”
One thing to remember about the music business is that the artists never stop progressing their craft. When two artists, or two bands come together to create one ultimate masterpiece, the final product tends to bloom the brightest!
You can read our official album review for Josh Heinrichs & Friends by clicking HERE
Article By: Kris Siuta
Photo By: Bill Colbridge