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Groundation

Groundation is an "Original Roots Reggae" Band from California. It was established in 1998 by Harrison Stafford, Ryan Newman and Marcus Urani. Groundation is bringing classic roots music into the serious times of the 21st century. Their sound is an organic fusion of Roots Reggae, heavy Funk/Jazz fusion, and transcendental Dub; their live shows are synonymous with high-energy positive communal vibrations, combining the message and determination of the best Reggae music has to offer with perpetually fresh Jazz-inspired improvisation. 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" is a Jamaican patois word, meaning "a meeting for reasoning and 'overstanding'". This is probably also why they gave their 3rd album the name "Each One Teach One". In addition, the band is the progenitor of Young Tree Records, a California-based Independant record label. Young Tree has put out works by the cream of the Roots Reggae crop, including The Congos, Pablo Moses, Andrew "Bassie" Campbell, Winston "Flames" Jarrett as well as the entirety of the expansive Groundation catalog, and their new side project called Rockamovya, featuring jazzy guitarrist Will Bernard, classical reggae drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and Ryan Newman (bass), Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano) and Harrison Stafford (rhythm guitar/ vocals) from Groundation. Lineup: * Harrison Stafford – vocals, guitar * Ryan Newman – bass * Marcus Urani – keyboards * David "Diesel" Chachere – trumpet * Kelsey Howard – trombone * Paul Spina – drums * Mingo Lewis Jr – congas, timbales, percussion * Kerry Ann Morgan – chorus * Kim Pommell – chorus

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21

Recording

Reggae Jazz Band, Groundation, Unleashes New Studio Album "Building An Ark" and Video For First Single Humility

Source: Press Dept

Hailing from California’s Bay Area, Groundation released their new studio album, entitled Building An Ark, on April 24, 2012 via Dub Rockers/VP/Universal Music. This 10-track set is the first release off the new imprint Dub Rockers from reggae giant VP Records. The internationally acclaimed band stays true to the essence of their dynamic sound— capturing the true spirit of roots reggae while blending elements of jazz, funk, latin and transcendental dub. The album’s hypnotic funk-based rhythms move from earthy percussion-based ...

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Performance / Tour

Groundation Announces 10th Annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour

Groundation Announces 10th Annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour

Source: JamBase

Groundation Announces 10th Annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour

Groundation What compels an internationally successful music group to set out on a tribute tour? Why would a constantly in-demand touring band with a diverse and growing fan base spend what little time they have available playing someone else's music? Well, Groundation is no ordinary band and the music of Robert Nesta Marley is not just any other collection of music.

Groundation began their annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour in ...

122

Recording

Groundation: Here I AM

Groundation: Here I AM

Source: JamBase

By: Dennis Cook

With elements of Cuban son, and 70s soul-jazz melded to a strong roots reggae, Groundation are traditionalists unbound by pure tradition. There's little doubt anyone who strongly vibes with Bob Marley & The Wailers and Steel Pulse won't dig Here I Am (Young Tree Records) a great deal, but there's a sumptuous reach riding inside their largely easy skankin'. Vocally, Groundation are miles ahead of most of their competition, with guitarist-singer Harrison Stafford melding sweetly with songbirds ...

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