Groundation is an American roots reggae band with jazz and dub influences, from Sonoma County in
Northern California. It is named for Rastafarian ceremony of Grounation.
[Grounation Day (April 21) is an important Rastafari holy day, and second after Coronation Day (November 2). It is celebrated in honour of Haile Selassie's 1966 visit to Jamaica.]
Formed in the fall of 1998 by Harrison Stafford, Marcus Urani, and Ryan Newman, Groundation began
on the campus of Sonoma State University's Jazz Program. Between 1999 and 2001, Harrison Stafford taught the first course on the History of Reggae Music at the University. In 1999, Stafford teamed up with Kris Dilbeck to found Young Tree Records and release Groundation's debut album Young Tree.
The nine-piece band creates an altogether new reggae sound, featuring swirling, jazz/funk inspired
horns, stout Latin and African based poly-rhythmics, and soulful harmony vocals. Their concerts utilize live improvisation, in classic jazz fashion, and are renowned for their high energy, communion-type atmosphere. Having gained international notoriety for their progressive fusion style, Groundation regularly plays at major international festivals like Summerjam.
On the 2018 March 11th on their Facebook page, Groundation announce his returns after a 3 year hiatus, introducing new members and "The Next Generation".
[Northern California-based reggae group Groundation were formed by guitarist/singer/lyricist Harrison
Stafford, keyboardist Marcus Urani, and bassist Ryan Newman in 1998. The rest of the band personnel has fluctuated. As of 2009, it included a horn section consisting of David "Diesel" Chachere (trumpet), Kelsey Howard (trombone), and Dr. Jason Robinson (saxophone), as well as percussionist Mingo Lewis, Jr. and singers Kim Pommell and Stephanie Wallace. The group's newest member was drummer Te Kanawa Haereiti.
Groundation self-released their debut album, Young Tree, on their own Young Tree label in 1999. Each
One Teach One followed on July 31, 2001. The disc featured guests Ras Michael and Marcia Higgs. Hebron Gate, released January 21, 2003, included Don Carlos and the Congos as guests. Don Carlos also appeared on We Free Again (November 16, 2004), along with Apple Gabriel. In 2005, Groundation released the dub album Dub Wars.
After the appearance of Upon the Bridge on October 17, 2006, the band not only toured internationally as usual, but, for the first time, also performed in the eastern half of the U.S. The domestic release of Here I Am on August 18, 2009, also heralded a round of American tour dates.
By William Ruhlmann]
Groundation – Young Tree
Label: Young Tree Records – YTR-1218CD
Format: CD, Album, Remastered 2002
Country: US
Released: 1999
Genre: Reggae
Style: Roots Reggae
TRACKS
01. Long, Long Ago 6:50
02. Glory To The Kings 7:11
03. Confusing Situation 4:53
04. Congress Man 4:15
05. Craven Fe' Dead 5:28
06. Dream 5:39
07. Young Tree 5:55
08. Vibes Alive 5:29
08. Groundation Chant 6:49
09. Grounding Dub 6:52
02. Glory To The Kings 7:11
03. Confusing Situation 4:53
04. Congress Man 4:15
05. Craven Fe' Dead 5:28
06. Dream 5:39
07. Young Tree 5:55
08. Vibes Alive 5:29
08. Groundation Chant 6:49
09. Grounding Dub 6:52
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