Originally from Philadelphia, JAH LEVI, the son of record producer and world renown folklorist Kenneth S. Goldstein, first learned guitar from the late Rev. Gary Davis in the 1960's, and later learned bass guitar as his "main" instrument. After studying music with many great master musicians and teachers, he majored in Ethnomusicology and world music studies. A trained herbalist and acupuncturist, he is "livicated" to proliferating consciousness through proper living "standing up to do the right thing."
JAH LEVI AND THE HIGHER REASONING, are world class musicians who are versatile enough to spontaneously perform all genres of music. His ability as a band leader is exemplified by the trust and loyalty of his group, several of whom have been with him since the group's beginning and many who return (from the far corners of the globe) to perform year after year. They perform a unique blend of Reggae-Rastafarian music that is spiritually uplifting and fun to dance to. JAH LEVI founded THEOCRATIC RECORDS, one of the first independent reggae record labels in america, and JAH WORKS STUDIOS, the first solar powered digital (24-bit) recording studio in the world.
JAH LEVI has performed on the same stage with many reggae, folk and pop super stars such as: Ziggy Marley, Burning Spear, Ijahman Levi, Ras Michael, Culture, Israel Vibration, The Itals, Wailing Souls, Bob Dylan, The Persuasions, Peter Gabriel, Black Uhuru, Andrew Tosh, The Wailers, Hamsa Lila, Lost at Last, etc. He has also performed at festivals worldwide such as: the Glastonbury Festival in England, the Philadelphia Folk Fest, Reggae on the river, and the Seattle Hemp Fest and has played a large majority of the major music venues in North America. He has enjoyed chart action with his music on radio and Television around the world.
He is a world class musician with over 20 albums out, and 25 years of touring and performing his unique blend of Reggae / world fusion worldwide. He is well known for his abilities as a band leader, and is an independent music producer and engineer as well. His music continues to influence people with a powerful synergy of uplifting music and thought provoking lyrics, truly medicine for the hungry and afflicted soul, spreading a message of love and unity for all beings.
JAH LEVI is an ordained bishop of the Essene church, a minister of the soga del alma church of Peru and a card carrying member of the Native American church. He is the founder of THE HEALING LIGHT ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE in the Netherlands, and practices a unique form of ceremonial shamanism and healing work with plant medicines. He is known worldwide as an adept facilitator of transformation and healing. He has influenced a whole generation of musicians, and many inspired and successful bands were born from musical and spiritual seeds planted in the hearts of many though his music. His moving performances have become milestones in the lives of those who experience him in concert.
He is not only inspired, but educated, holding advanced degrees in ethnomusicology, electronics, engineering, medicine and martial arts as well as certification as a master of Luthiery (musical instrument building) with in depth knowledge of over 200 stringed and percussive instruments. He is an adept musician of the highest order. His conviction to the Rastafarian faith, combined with his unique understanding of world music, music production, healing arts, technology and spirituality, comprise a man on a mission: to deliver the message of love, unity, and survival to millions of people worldwide through live performances, recordings and radio broadcasts in over 72 nations.
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