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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. |
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| 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 first 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. |
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| 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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 reflects Rastafarian culture. Through his lyrics and Groundation’s music, he delivers a message for everyone, a message of spirituality, pacifism 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. Featured on the newest album, Upon the Bridge, are Pablo Moses and 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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Discography
Médias / Vidéos
Contacts / Bookings / Pro Area / Links
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