Kevin Kinsella with Jah Works

Gene Ira Katz

The enthusiasm was absolutely electric when Kevin Kinsella phoned to rave about the high energy and positive spirits of his latest project, a musical collaboration with Baltimore based reggae group, Jah Works. "We did a five day run this past weekend… and we had so much fun! Miles of smiles and lots of dancing!" Founder and driving force behind, one of Ithaca 's most acclaimed musical groups, Kinsella has not given up on his internationally admired powerhouse, John Brown's Body, he's simply taking a hiatus to explore something different. "I'm a big proponent of change," he explains, "as a catalyst to keep the Spirit of something fresh. Music, like vegetables, is best fresh. I'm just taking a break to have some new and varied experiences." Known for creating uplifting songs, which he calls "thanks and praise" music, Kevin Kinsella has been a staple in the Ithaca performing scene for well over a decade, starting out as front man for the now defunct Tribulations, prior to the formation of J.B.B., and then as a solo artist with two albums under his own name, and more recently as producer for female vocal group, Five2. In addition, he helped to form the Ithaca based cooperative record label I-Town Records. Moreover, Kinsella plays bass for the roots band, 10 Ft. Ganja Plant, whose four recordings have achieved legendary cult status. After performing recently with that group at the CMJ Music Conference in New York City , along with Matisyahu's band and other notables of the genre, Kinsella says, "The whole night was a Love Fest of Rub a Dub. Winston Watson (of the Meditations) got up and sang the song he recorded on the last 10 Ft. Ganja Plant CD, 'Bass Chalice'. Everyone was so excited about the night that there is now talk of doing an extended tour of the same bill." As for Jah Works, Kinsella points out that this band is by no means new, noting that John Brown's Body and Jah Works have had a friendship and mutual respect for many years. Originally, Jah Works was formed 13 years ago in Belgium by three American college students studying abroad, beginning with acoustic guitars in local bars and on street corners. Since then, Jah Works has expanded to six members, averaging over two hundred shows per year, domestically and overseas, and sharing stages with a host of national/international acts including N.E.R.D., Damien Marley, UB40, Ben Harper, Buju Banton, Burning Spear and many others. The band has also released seven CD's, the latest of which was recorded in their own newly built Riddim House Studio. Kinsella says that John Brown's Body and Jah Works first met in about 1998, when they were both opening up for Israel Vibrations in New York City . Through the years the musicians always kept in touch, whether doing stage shows or recording together. In fact, Jah Works played at Kinsella's wedding. "Our main goal, Jah Works and I, is to have fun and then record the songs we're playing together right now and the ones we plan to write in the upcoming days keeping in mind always that people make plans, God gives the answer." Kinsella says that they've been having a great time dipping into the old J.B.B. songbook and pulling out tunes that haven't been played in years, or rarely played at all. "Alot of them we reworked or completely overhauled and they're sounding fresh and vital. Also drawing material from the 10ft. Ganja Plant CD's and my solo work, plus the new songs, which I'm most excited about!" Kinsella says that Jah Works are really looking forward to coming to Ithaca , "They always have a good time when they come here and they're psyched. Everyone seems to be smiling a lot. Also, Five2 is opening the show and very likely will be singing some tunes with us." And, he adds, "Bring your dancing shoes!" By no means has Kevin Kinsella given up his role with John Brown's Body. " I feel like I'm on a sabbatical," he explains, "and my purpose right now is to learn and grow as a person, and as a performer and musician. This new experience so far has already given me a great perspective on life in many different ways. I'm always open to the Spirit of inspiration striking and hope to be able to follow where it leads me. I pray to always live an inspired Life and I would hope that for everyone. That kind of life takes nurturing and protecting the spirit, but it also involves taking chances and being open to change."