6.4.09 - VIC FIRTH DRUMSTICKS!!!!

I just signed a new stick deal with the Education and Artist department at Vic Firth. It's really amazing to have the opportunity to work with this company. So until my web guy (Groovy) takes off True Line here's the official website to check out.

http://www.vicfirth.com/

I've been doing quite a bit of teaching recently, so if you are interested, please drop me a line.

J

3.18.08 - It's Been Awhile....

Hey Ya'll,

I'm back in Cali everyone and I'm working some some great projects. Jesca Hoop is a singer songwriter on Columbia Records. We just finished SXSW and totally Rocked IT!!! I also played the festival with some good old Florida boys, "Moss Bluff". I'm also looking forward to doing some recording this month with, "Talons Of Spring". So basically I'm super stoked to be back out here. I have some plans for some upcoming shows in LA and I'm looking for some musicians to collaborate with and do some writing/recording. Also go check out : www.myspace.com/officialjonahdavid
It's finally back up and running so hit me up when you can.
Peace,
Jonah

6.8.07 - Yes, Matisyahu has a new drummer named Skoota Warner…

I met him at NAMM a couple of years back and saw him play with Dave Fiuczynski. He seriously impressed me. An absolutely consummate musician who deserves nothing less then my utmost respect. I appreciate the years of support that I’ve received from everyone. Also, I’M STILL TOURING AS A DRUMMER!!! I have work lined up on the West Coast and I’ll be living in L.A. by the end of the month. Goodbye Dirty Jerz!!! (Cue sighs, waves goodbye…)

I’m working with great friend and amazing producer Etienne Stadjwick on my own project, which should be finished by the end of the year. I’m also planning on FINALLY finishing up college out in L.A., which is something that I’ve put off to go on the road and now that I’m taking a break it’s at the top of my priorities.

That’s about it for now; feel free to contact me via my contact page when you get the chance.

8.25.06 - I'm Going Back To Cali....

Sort of,,,
I'll be touring the states again for the next couple of months with minimal time off... hmmm what else,,, (taps right temple with index finger) * * * I'm doing some recordings, working on some of my music...
Super Thanx to DRUM MAGAZINE for featuring me in an article. Also to DW/PDP for hooking me up with a kit in such a short time!!! I love those guys... I actually love a lot of people, and there are so many great people to love out there. It's a shame that millions of people are blinded by belief and disbelief to the point where all communication breaks down and there is War. It's also a shame that self-centeredness can manifest itself as greed and that someone’s - or some country's - quest for money and oil can be gauged and tip into the red zone at the expense of life, not just mankind...

Well,,, that’s about it. I wish everyone in the world happiness and blessings. I also hope that we can spread those blessings to everyone and everything.
Peace

7.9.06 - Finally some time off... well not really...

So I've had the pleasure of hangin with my family for the past week. It's really important for me and I wish I could spend more time with my parents... I really love them.
So where to begin,,, hmmmm.. Ok Lisbon Portugal was the best crowd to perform in front of ever, hands down... I'd like to thank my friend Gomo for driving me around and takin me thru the barrios.
We're going to be enlarging the crew for the next tour and I'm kinda excited about it. The audition process itself is really exciting because I'm getting to play with some new musicians all of whom are incredibly talented.

I spent some time tonight at the Zinc Bar with my girlfriend and my friend Anu on a double date...
I would normally never write about this as it has no real relevance to the motif of this website but Anu is a good friend of mine and my ears are bleeding with all the "kvetching" he's been doing about being "blogged" about... So feel free to email him and tell him how much you love him at anu22@aol.com.

6.10.06 - The Mediterranean Sea...

Well, It’s been so long since I wrote something here I can’t even remember what I was talking about the last time I wrote it.

I’m in Tel Aviv at the moment trying to soak in some R+R with friends and family. We’re playing tonight for a sold out show at the “Barby”, a club that we played the last time we were here… uh what else… hmmmmmm… oh yeah, did I mention that 2 nights ago I opened up for STING at the “Ramat Gam” Soccer Stadium… Which was INSANE!!! Sunday morning we fly out to Canada to warm up Dave Mathews Band for a couple of shows.

Things are good, I’m trying to produce an educational DVD of my drumming. It seems like the next logical step and something that I’ve dreamt about doing since I started playing drums.

Ahhh… ce la vie… I’m going to get to a beach, do some practicing and eat some food today… Lots of hummus…

4.19.06 - TAAAAAA DAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Welcome again to my brand spankin new website courtesy of "El Groovin"... THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Just keep looking down, his links are at the bottom of the page. Drop him a line and tell him that you love him... Yes LOVE!!!
Soooo where do I begin? Hmmmmm...

I'm enjoying the time off now that taxes are over with. I'm a little anxious about going back out on the road this time. It's a LONG run and I'm going to be traveling all across this little tiny world... quickly.

Roots Tonic meets Bill Laswell is about to come out on a small label called ROIR, so GO COP IT!!!! I'll provide a link when it available. Anyways, I have a few exciting things beginning to bubble up but I'm not taking the lid off the cover yet... Don't worry, y'all ull know soon enough I rekon!!!

Ok? Positive vibes and blessings for all...
J

3.26.06 - A NEW SITE WILL BE UP AND RUNNING SOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!!!!!

I love you all...I just got back from tour... I also have a forum for drummers and the like --> http://groups.myspace.com/jddrums77
yup yup...
too much to tell, too little time... I'll see you somewhere on this small planet soon enough...
Peace
J

1.10.06 - Ok everyone,, I’m going to deviate from the norm here and get a tad personal.

I’m excited about many things. Playing MSG and Dave Letterman in the same week, endorsing SABIAN cymbals and EVANS heads; however, there are some things that I want to reflect upon in this “New Year.” This year should be a new beginning for each of us. There are terrible things happening all over the world that cause us pain, ie war, hunger, disease, poverty, violence,,,(you get the point).

I honestly feel that personally I haven’t “gone far enough up stream” in dealing with these problems. Not far enough internally, and certainly not far enough in the world. Change in this world is going to result from a change within each of us. Honestly, it’s just too painful seeing close friends and families around me suffer. (you all know who you are, I'll always do my best to be there for you!!!) I pray this year that all my friends, family and (the collective) “we”, will overcome our suffering. No matter what directions our faith or spirituality takes us in. I hope that we can all take an extra step in the right direction and then help someone else do the same.

Be Great!!!
J

12.21.05 - When Are We Playing Conan O'Brien???

So I’m finally home, just long enough to pay my bills and get out of collections… I’m hoping that my acquisition of a new Treo will help me stay in touch with all my friends, fans and bill collectors… HAHA… ugh :/

Europe went by so fast I can’t remember anything that really stuck out. All the shows were sold out, even in Berlin, which was very emotional for me. Big ups to Charger and his wife at the Scala Theatre in London, and Raiza for the dope Surinamese food in Amsterdam.

SUPER props to Issar Tennenbaum of Rock Four (www.rockfour.com) for being my drum tech for the DVD shoot in Tel Aviv. This guy is a beautiful cat with beautiful children and a super equally dope girlfriend… I wish nothing but success for this guy, his family and his band.

Israel was amazing. 10 years since my last visit with family on my mom’s side. This whole experience has been incredible. Check out the acoustic footage on the DVD, this corner of Jerusalem is not usually opened to the public. It was my “live at Pompeii”. (which could happen btw)

Big thanx to my cousin Alon for putting me up, Avisaar, Ayelet, Yael, Karmi, Shai and Bet Ha’Bubot for warming it up for us in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. I want to go come back and see y’all soon!!!!

11.2.05 - CHECK OUT CRAIG FERGUSON NOV 14TH....

I just finished spending my birthday on the road. Baltimore, The Recher, my unofficial b-day jam blog. It was real, the band has become my closest family and I couldn’t have spent better time on my birthday, living my dream out with my family. We’re just getting this tour started and I must say that there is a certain buzz I feel about our vibe right now. We just finished recording a video for “Youth”, the album is going to be coming out at the end of January,,, Hmm what else. I can’t truly describe it. We could be on the verge of pushing this into a new level, what ever that means.. Akiva, btw, is doing shots with Josh right now. We’re all on the bus either on a laptop or playing playstation at 2:30 in the morning. We’re playing the MTVU Woodie awards in NYC this week. I guess I’m kinda psyched…

Oh Yeah,, Big up to all the Security Guards at the Recher in Towson for doing their job, and Virginia Tech’s Airforce cadets also really kicked ass.

9.29.05 - Almost Home

I'm sitting in Cafe Coco in Nashville, sipping Latte, typing on my brand spanking new powerbook - which I will be venerating throughout the better part of next year - listening to the essential Bob Dylan.
This run has been serious. New tunes, new tour bus ( big up to BONES our driver ), new fans, new radio stations. It has been real... Speaking of new fans,,, WWF wrestler GOLDBERG showed up in San Diego... that is one BIG man... He's got bear paws for hands. Check out the link for his gym. Also,, I heard a rumor,, it could be just that. Boy George and Elton John are on the guest list tonight. We will see... I'll have to change this if it's not true.. but,,, WHAT ARE THE ODDS MAN!?!?!?! in Nashville of all places.

We're going to be finishing up our tour in NYC at Washington Square Park at 3pm on Sunday the 2nd. Then October is going to be sprinkled with dates, recordings, not to mention high holy days. Then we're basically gone for all of November and December. Living the life right? Living the life.

I also uploaded a new picture on Myspace... It's me, and arguable one of the most beautiful people alive, taken at Webster Hall after the show.

Ok, people, drop me a line when you can.

9.1.05 - I Finally Started Putting Up Some Of My Favorite LINKS!!!

MY FANS!!!!!!!!!
Sorry about the confusion with the Matis dates everybody!!! I was away when they got changed, and while I initially posted them to promote the venues, I actually wound up causing some problems… From now on, I will only post some outside dates that my be of interest. A link directly to Matisyahu’s show page will be posted shortly, (like you haven’t already been there.)

I just came back from Niagara Falls and let me tell you,, If you can find the time next year, go right before Labor Day Weekend. The weather was beautiful and there were absolutely no lines!!!!

I’m also in the process of putting some music together with my cousin Andy. It’s in it’s Alpha stages, but I feel that any positive thoughts about it can only help it manifest itself into the universe.

BTW, I FINALLY BOUGHT A LAPTOP!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

7.26.05 - LOTS O NEW TOUR DATES

I know, I know, I know, I know….
It’s been too long since the last time I spoke with ya’ll…
There have been expeditions through the fancy forest that were not All Good, but not all bad either… You guys will figure it out sooner or later.
We’re about to be out again for a long time.
I’m already missing home.
So if you’re reading this, send me a line to say whadup.

Big shouts to Chris Welcome for the Monk gig, No Discipline and as always Rocky and Nabil for keepin me in touch with the Boom Bap…

Peace

6.20.05 - On The Road From Bonnaroo to Wakarusa

Whats up everyone,, I know it’s been a minute so let me cut to the facts.
I assume that most of you have already heard about the horrible weather all weekend and Matis sitting in with Trey, but let me tell you about the following day.

We started out by piling into a trailer which was converted into a mobile studio for a recording session/interview for Radio Bonnaroo at 10 in the AM. We were accompanied by Danny Buch who set up the Bagels and Lox for all those who decided to mingle in the publicity tent across from the studio. By 12:30 pm we were rocking it in front of about 3,000 people. By 1 pm it doubled, and by the end of our set there were close to 9,000 people!!! We then raced over to the XFM stage, forgetting some hardware, cases and my minidisk recorder in the process to perform yet again for close to another 2,000 fans not including the listeners of the live broadcast. By 4 pm we were EXHAUSTED, but we stuck around for the fans and signed CD’s for another 45 minutes.

Mississippi Nights was also completely sold out!! St. Louis came through pretty tough. Big thanx to Adam Weinberg for promoting and bringing out the fans!!!

Wakarusa was definitely a different scene but there were people at the festival that came just to support us; despite the fact that we were away from the main stage where Wilco and Gov’t mule were performing WE STILL PACKED THE TENT!!! You guys are awesome.
So big shouts to Albert from Perpetual Groove, Jessee from the Hackensaw Boys, Mark from Jazz Mandolin Project and Chris from Umphree’s McGhee, you cat's are TIGHT!!!

We’re off to the studio tomorrow to continue rehearsing and recording for the next album. I’m hoping to get a chance to take a nap somewhere in the near future, but it seems unlikely.
Peace
Jonah

6.1.05 - The Gorgeous view of the Gorge at George.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY COUSIN RACHEL DAVID ON HER BAT MITZVAH!!!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!!
Had to do it… Soooo…
Man was it HOT in Washington. I definitely made a mistake by leaving the shorts at home but who would have thought!! The landscape was surreal. I found myself looking off into the horizon instead of checking out Wilco, Who ROCKED. The Frames, an Irish band, were also nicing up d area. We weren’t too shabby ourselves headlining the Wookie Stage. BIG SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE FANS WHO STAYED TO THE VERY END OF OUR SET WHILE THE PIXIES WERE PLAYING!!! They too get’s all my love… What? They’ve been broken up almost as long as I’ve been playing music. Watching them play was SOOOO intense. Frank Black? Genius? 9 out of 10 think so.

We are working on a next album with one of the worlds greatest producers/musicians Sir Bill Laswell. Which is awesome since his studio is in New Jersey… Finally all the Brooklyn guys have to navigate out to MY home state!!! (New Jerusalem Citrus Section for those of you who know)

In 1 week we leave for Bonnaroo and Wakarusa festivals with some other gig’s here and there. I WILL UPDATE MY GIGS JUST AS SOON AS I POST THIS!!

Also if you’ve read this far,, Go check out my Myspace page,,, I’m kinda getting addicted to that site…
Laterz!!!

5.12.05 - Just Chillin in the Cut

Thanx 4 checkin out the site,,, I updated some new shows, and I WILL be at Lyrical Graffiti on the 13th.

I’m taking on students again which is a beautiful thing.

Also getting a chance to play with my friends again, this is also equally as beautiful of a thing.

Not a whole lot to say folks; we’re sitting in Limbo, limbo, lim-bo… waiting for the Label to figure stuff out so we can move forward with the next recording. Made MtvU #1 on the Deans list and trying to make Who's Next on Yahoo.com. GO VOTE!!!

Big shouts to Rocky, Modus, Branford and Edgar Evans for the call,,, And SUPER big shouts to my biggest fan, my dearest inspiration in times of adversity, an eternal example that perseverance and faith will allow you to overcome any obstacle in your path… My Dad, I love you,,, Stay strong in this round,,, don’t forget to duck.

4.22.05 - JIMMY KIMMEL AND CARSON DALY ON THE SAME NIGHT!!!!

That was pretty insane… just typing that was insane. Ok,, so Steve Austin is one BIG MotherF#@*er. Bobcat Goldthwait and the Barkers get all of my love. Travis,, You are cool as hell.

Mickey Hart w/ (our boys) Particle were AMAZING last night at the Palladium. I can’t wait to do it again next time. Good luck at Roseland fellas!!!

Damn, were done touring for a minute. I hope to see all you fans in the near future at some of the festivals we’re doing this summer. Please stay in touch and check out the new album “LIVE at Stubbs”

Until we meet again, and not a moment sooner.
J

4.9.05 - Jimmy Kimmel AGAIN 4/18!!!!

Wow, Life is definitely good... Let’s see, what do I have going on, I have a cat, she is a chocolate tipped Siamese and her name is Misty. (A.k.a Misty Kitty, Kat Kat, Princess Misty Blue, Meow Meow)

Matisyahu has a video on MTvU which can be voted to the Deans List by going to http://www.mtvu.com/music/playlist/ and voting for King Without A Crown... (That’s pretty freakin cool)

I am officially endorsing Trueline Drumsticks so check them out at www.trueline.com. They are amazing. I hope that I never have to use another brand of drumstick again. (I hate to sound cliché but I'm dead serious, they work for me.)

So,, Funk Box was probably one of the best shows that I can ever remember playing. Salim MURDERED the crowd Djembe style and Fancy Fingers definitely drove the bus that night. Starting the set with the instrumental and building it up from there. (If anyone has a good copy of that show please get in touch with me)

Big Ups to So Called for warming the crowd up for us too.

I want to give a big shout to Nabil and Lyrical Graffiti tonight holding It DOWN. Every Other Friday at the Old Bay in New Brunswick.

Finally my good friends RERUN are playing a house party on April 16th. 120 Sanford Street New Brunswick, NJ with a couple other bands $3 cover.

Laterz

3.25.05 - It's 3:46 A.M... This will be brief

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Purim Party was PACKED over 1000 heads in Lerner Hall.

SxSW was too much to completely talk about right now. Alejandero Escoveda is the MAN... I don't care if I mispelled his name; I'm tired dag nabit.

Buffalo Billiards was crazy.. Big shout out to DAVE (Adam Richman's drummer) for hooking me up with a kit.

GO TO www.ormusic.com AS SOON AS YOU LEAVE MY SITE!!! DO IT!!! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!

I'll see you all in Vermont this week opening up for Freakin JIMMY CLIFF at the Higher Grounds...
Yeah baby..
J

3.13.05 - It's good to be back in my own bed.

I’m finally back in my own bed,,, (phew) It feels like I’m forgetting something at the end of a day off when I don’t have to play a gig. I hope everyone gets to Irving Plaza Show next month. That’s going to be fairly insane… Speaking of insanity, I can’t wait to get the O.K. to tell ya’ll about some of the other shows coming up.

THANK YOU Mike Caplan, Larry and Angelo at Or Records. I’ve seen the DVD and heard the new Live album from Stubbs. Its pretty dope… I hope you all scoop it up and throw it next to your collection of bootlegs.

We have a ton of stuff booked through out the year so keep checking out the site to figure out where we can meet up again.

3.2.05 - On My Way HOME!!!

So,,,I'm in a coffee book shop in Richmond listening to forties swing and enjoying a Vietnamese Coffee. Josh (Aka "The Pappy") and Aaron (Aka "Sweet Fancy") are checking out their latest acquistions of literary genius. I have been dubbed "Northern Grits", and Matis is,, so far,,,,,, "Cheese Chops"

Ok,,, So these past shows have been really great. All of Florida was insane, the Culture Room especially. Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. Its beautiful to draw so many packed houses playing this music.

What sucks is,,,, that its starting to get cold again. I'm gonna have to break out the thermals pretty soon...

There also a bunch of dates that have been added. There's further talk of European and US touring on the table.
We shall seeeee.
J

2.23.05 - Does anybody have any Acetaminophen???

The good news???
The live recording is going to sound really awesome... We didn't feel like it was our best performance, but a week after we cut the record, it has grown on us. Plus there's another CD from Or records on the way as soon as we get back!!!
BUY ME IN TOWER, VIRGIN, K MART IN APRIL!!!!!

The bad news???
Everyone in the band is slowly mutating some strange virus (half cold, half sore throat, half sinus infection) and then passing the new form into each other on a daily basis. We've eaten raw garlic, taken pills (over the counter), drank vitamin water, supplements,,, All to no avail. It's gotten to the point where we've almost cancelled shows.

So we're in FL now, and pretty soon we're heading back north.... to the cold.... again.... (sniffle sniffle)
Ok ya'll..
J

2.19.05 - Check Out Some New Pic's From Eugene

Ok,,
I haven't been able to keep up with the blogs like I thought. Life on the road can be EXHAUSTING!!!! I'm in Austin now (after a 20 hr van ride) and TOMORROW WE RECORD OUR LIVE ALBUM AT STUBBS BBQ!!!!!

We shattered the North West stops back to back to back. It's hard to say which was the best.. Dantes in Portland was Serious!!! NBC was filming it and they got some great footage. Seattle was nostalgic, I mean this was the same club where bands like Nirvana and Alice n Chains launced their career. Eugene was also unreal. All these shows were sold out, we killed each one. My thanx goes out to all the Chabad and Hillel guys who helped promote.

Cali was a little ruff because of the drive. I mean we didn't really sleep in Cali. The LA show at the Knitting Factory was played on pure adrenaline. Or Records was there, Variety Magazine was there, Jdub too. Sold OUT... get this,, tickets were being scalped for $100 out side the concert....
I would have never thought..

Anyways.. Thats it for now. Stay in touch ya'll.

2.8.05 - SALT LAKE CITY

Unreal everybody... I mean totally insane. With under 100 people in the Velvet Room (which probably has the best sound system in Utah) we rocked 3 ENCORES!!!!! Never happened in this band before. Ya'll were Off the CHAIN. SLC BABY!!!! 2005......... Did I mention that the crowd ROCKED!!!!

So we're on our way thru the North Western part of our odyssey,,, and yes, it seems to be that in many ways. In a little over a week, we're gonna be buyin shorts on the road. I'm sick of wearing thermals! It hasn't been as cold as it was during the first leg but it still could be.

So, its not top secret anymore, we are recording in Austin. We're really fine tuning our set to totally annihilate the record. They want it live so we're bringin the Fire and (takin it to the) Heights... Yeah, ok, corny plug, it’s MY website and I can be as corny as I please. HA!!

Once again,,, THANK YOU to ALL the beautiful people who make up our fan base... Big ups to Tynan at the Guitar Center in Denver, and Sensei Tim who let me train in his Dojo.. SDDC,,(I think,, I'll get his website on here to make sure)

I'll write again in Cali.. Laterz
Jonah

2.2.05 - Checkin Out the Rockies

Yes, Yes Ya'll....
Man, it is cool to stay in the same hotel room for more then one night, with such a freakin VIEW!!! Fresh Colorado air and sunshine until Sunday...

Luthers Blues in Madison was dope and so was Turner hall, But MINNEAPOLIS was INSANE!!!! the Cabooze was packed like 600+ deep. Yoni,, thank you for doing your thing. The afterparty was equally insane. Any die hard fans missed taping a 1 hour Fire'n'Heights funk jam.

Big shout out time... Everyone in Iowa City and Omaha who came thru to Gabes Oasis and the Ranch Bowl. I never played a club adjacent to a bowling alley, but the vibe was cool. (The opening band cancelled both nights and F'n'H stepped up with some instrumentals to save the day.)

THANX TO the Chabbad at Iowa City for cooking us a 4 course meal,, This guy is one of the sweetest cats on earth;
Mike Cloyd at LTE Sight and Sound who hooked us up for those long drives... www.ltiomaha.com

Until next time.
Stay Tuned...

1.28.05 - ON THE ROAD!!!!

So I'm finally getting the time to write about whats been happening... Argh I need a laptop!!!!

First I want to thank all the fans who have been comming thru to check us out. You have been awesome. We just finished rocking Turner Hall in Milwaukee, and I must say that I look forward to playing there again once the building has been completely restored.

Ok,, so its Friggin cold, and will be for the next couple of weeks or so until we get to CALI. (ha ha PV.... :P )

The music is really starting to take on a form of its own unique sound.
SOMEONE VICKED OUR BLACK BINDER WITH ALL OUR E-MAIL LISTS!!!! if you are the person,, please send it back to the label... you evil person you...

Stoopidness as usual in the van with freezing feet still part of the grand scheme of things though...
Not for long dag nabit, not for long.
Peace
Jonah

1.12.05 - CHECK OUT CARSON DALY, 1/20/05 at 1:30AM CHANNEL 4!!!

It's like 11 after 1 in the am. I've been up for about 2 days now, so I'll keep it brief... We killed his late show... What did Carson say?
"The most exciting band in the music industry today" (or something like that)..

Fire and Heights, this line up consisting of the usual suspects. Josh Werner (b), Aaron Dugan (g) with the special and frequently invited guests, Jeff (aka Ben) Karger (k) and Moishe (perc) ROCKED the house despite the National Televison anxiety... I wish you all heard the mix they recorded during the sound check... Oh soo good.

Sooo many good things about to happen with this band. Don't go too far...