Having spent most of her music career working with artists and musicians in her native California and Jamaica, Ione Angeles’ roots-reggae credentials are strong. She called on that experience when working on ‘Wheelahs Riddim’, a compilation album released October 10. 

The album’s 11 songs feature roots acts based in Jamaica, California and New York, all selected by Ione Angeles, a singer who has worked with legendary acts like the Soul Syndicate Band. 

The Wheelahs ‘riddim’ was created by engineer Tuviel Levi.

“I chose the artists because I either know them or loved their work, and a few new artists came as referrals from artists I chose. Everyone just did themselves, I did not request anything, as the beauty of it is to bring out all of our unique styles,” said Ione Angeles.

Some of the artists on the compilation are Tony Chin, best known as rhythm guitarist with the Soul Syndicate Band. He does ‘Lovely Feeling’, while veteran singer Earl Zero contributes ‘Just For You’.

Ione Angeles shares the mic with Revelashan on ‘Never Alone’, while Prezident Brown does ‘Sweetest Ting’ and Isha Bel shines on ‘Jah Time’.

Born in Southern California, Ione Angeles’ love for Jamaican culture grew after she visited the country 34 years ago. She lived there for six years, recording songs with Soul Syndicate drummer Max Edwards and teaching school.

‘Inna World’, her lone album, was released in 2019.

Written By Howard Campbell