Billboard Magazine may have chosen Matisyahu as Top Reggae Artist of 2006, but his music — like the artist — is anything but simple to categorize.
Perhaps that explains why after becoming something of the toast of the U.S. music scene in 2006 when his album Grammy-nominated album “Youth” was released, the man seemed to fade away. Of course he took with him his truly one-of-a-kind Jewish themed music that is mixed with reggae, rock and hip-hop sounds.
“In some senses, this was not a conscious decision but an artistic one,” said the American Hasidic Matisyahu of his new album. “In the past I kind of always worked differently when I made records. I basically just wanted to make reggae records.”
But after making some lineup changes in his band that resulted in what he calls a heavier beat, Matisyahu was ready to record. His new four-song EP, “Shattered,” is a taste of the full album “Glass” that he hopes to release this winter.
The new work is a combination of sounds with guests appearances by rappers who may not be well known but are respected by Matisyahu. The point, he said, was to focus on the music’s artistry.
“We are playing mixed material,” said Matisyahu of his stage show. “We are playing songs from ‘Youth’ and new songs and a variety.”
Again, not surprising for a man who counts everyone from Bjork to OutKast to the Flaming Lips as musical favorites.
“Whatever is being played on the radio kind of all influences me,” he said. “Say I hear some hip-hop, but I don’t like it, but I hear the kick drum. That influences me.”
Call him reggae if you must, but Matisyahu doesn’t fit in any neat category.
IF YOU GO
Performer: Matisyahu w/ Flobots, H.R. of Bad Brains
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
Details: $25 Adv., $27.50 Day of Show; 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
