Fresh from a jaunt to Jamaica where he recorded with masters Sly & Robbie, Matisyahu [ tickets ] is polishing his chops for a huge north American tour. To date, the reggae star has booked 38 shows for this fall/winter.

Matisyahu plans to preview a few new songs during the outing, so the relatively intimate confines of clubs and theaters should give him the feedback he needs for the thoughtful selection of the new album's last few tunes.

The Grammy-nominated artist has said he considers his music career a revolutionary way to channel his spiritual calling. He's managed to bring both Orthodox Judaism and reggae and hip-hop together--with a mission of "peace and unity."

Yours truly attended Matisyahu's show at 2005's SXSW festival in Austin, TX, and took some photos of the event.