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- country:USA
- style(s):Jazz, Reggae
- label:Soulbeats Records
- instrumentation:vocal
- artist posted by:M'A Prod
Links
Groundation (Reggae-Usa)
Spiritual Roots Reggae
Contact Booking :
Fred Lachaize
fred@musicaction.fr
Attending at Womex 2011 - Stand 12
It is said that if you don’t know your past, you don’t know your future; well Groundation knows its past, and they’re stepping
into the future. While capturing the essence of true roots reggae, internationally renowned, Groundation aims to take the
genre to a new height by blending elements of both jazz and dub in their sound.
Considered the best group in the current reggae scene, these Californian virtuosos have come back with a 6th album of rare musical
intensity: HERE I AM. Beyond the music there is an obvious message that Groundation attempts to pass on. This universal message; this
bridge upon which we fi nd ourselves today materialized through a short story that is slipped in the album’s insert.
GROUNDATION
The name Groundation is a subtle play on words that captures all meanings in regard
to this group of musicians. We heard of grounation (meditation forum) for the fi rst
time near the end of the 1940s. Count Ossie of Mystic Revelation of Rastafari invited
the youth of the Jamaican ghettos to gather for nyabinghi—African rhythm—sessions.
These improvisational jams would last all night without interruption.
The name ‘Groundation’ came from trying to get everyone on the same level so people
can talk and feel free to educate each other and learn from each other, and not come
from a hierarchy or some type of leveled class situation.
Groundation
HARRISON STAFFORD
The group’s pillar, singer, and composer, is a highly inspired person, Harrison Stafford. Stafford, born into reggae—his parents,
members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel— traveled extensively in Africa and in Jamaica at a young age.
Inspired by the Rastafarian spirit, Stafford’s way of life and way of seeing the world refl ects Rastafarian culture.
Through his lyrics and Groundation’s music, he delivers a message for everyone, a message of spirituality, pacifi sm and audacity.
Authenticity and wisdom earned him the respect of his elders: Jamaicans, Americans, and English alike. Groundation’s albums have
featured vocals from artists such as: Cédric Myton, Don Carlos, Apple Gabriel, Ras Michael, Marcia Higgs, and Leroy “Horsemouth”
Wallace, Pablo Moses, I Jahman.
This new album takes on the weight of the world and deals with the feeling everyone has deep inside of them: the need to act.
Discography :
THE BAND, THE MUSIC
Representative of nyabinghi sessions Groundation’s music is centered on collective improvisation, sound and curiosity. Music as a
means of communication offers to them a common language. Groundation moves forward immersed in music, an integral part of their
life, using concepts that you cannot fi nd anywhere else. Above all, they are jazz musicians. Their training does not cease to evolve,
and their musical theory is rich and allows them to play complex arrangements with the utmost precision. Groundation does not deliberately
try to mix just jazz into reggae.
A big part of the composition and musical orchestration comes back to Marcus Urani. From writing to arranging and further, to the
studio recording, he manages it all with rigor and virtuosity. His work can be found all the way to the mastering of the albums, when
he collaborates with Jim Fox, the legendary sound engineer of Lion & Fox Studio in Washington.
Nyabinghi spirit can also be found in Groundation’s attitude. In spite of their success and their growing popularity Groundation’s spirit
stays the same. Humble and simple they seek to meet their fans after shows and are attentive to everyone.
Discography :
2006
Upon The
Bridge
(Young Three / Nocturne)
2006
Dub Wars
(Young Three / Nocturne)
2004
We Free Again
(Young Three / Nocturne)
2002
Herbon Gate
(Young Three / Nocturne)
2001
Each One
Teach One
(Young Three / Nocturne)
1999
Young Tree
(Young Three / Nocturne)
2009
Here I Am
(Young Three / Naïve)
2012
Bukding An Ark
(Soulbeats Records)