Groundation [Archive] - AbsolutePunk.net

El_Jeffe

06/28/08, 05:06 PM

the reggae band that has become a worldwide movement (playing for over 45,000 people in morocco, 10,000 fans in sao paulo, & 15,000 during a headlining spot at summerjam in germany). blending reggae, jazz, & dub into hypnotic, lush layered music, full with meandering melodies & often extended instrumental stretches in some jammin' tunes. stafford's lyrics can be rather deep. painting colourful portraits of man's struggles with metaphoric folktales of oppression & resistance. the band's debut album young tree was even hailed as the first reggae concept album, telling the tale of the tree of life (although some consider the wailers' catch a fire as the first). roots reggae soo authentic, it's very surprising to find they're actually american

a band that's continually released classic album one after the other & never seems to stop touring. even performing an annual marley tribute gig. anyone wanting to hear some tunes, check myspace (http://www.myspace.com/groundation)

any fan, share some love & discussion?

micahistheballs

06/28/08, 05:11 PM

Never heard of them before, but listening on MySpace now.

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 05:12 PM

Just took a listen. Pretty damn good. Reggae lives on!

El_Jeffe

06/28/08, 05:16 PM

Never heard of them before, but listening on MySpace now.

sweet as. the vocals rub some people up the wrong way, personally love them. they're such a package deal band, their music is such an art

Just took a listen. Pretty damn good. Reggae lives on!

nice! groundation is soo good. i love these guys, they've never released a bad album. also love where they took their name from

allhourcymbals

06/28/08, 05:17 PM

roots reggae soo authentic, it's very surprising to find they're actually american

did not know that.

micahistheballs

06/28/08, 05:18 PM

Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of the vocals and excuse my ignorance or bad ears, but I don't see what's special about the music. It seems like typical reggae to me.

micahistheballs

06/28/08, 05:19 PM

Also, I did not expect them to be American by their sound. Didn't read too well haha.

El_Jeffe

06/28/08, 05:23 PM

did not know that.

haha yea i never would have believed it had i not read & heard interviews with them

Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of the vocals and excuse my ignorance or bad ears, but I don't see what's special about the music. It seems like typical reggae to me.

it's cool, each to their own. i know you're probably not big on reggae in general, but typical is not a word i'd ever associate with them. they sound so fresh, with many innovative new ways, yet still pay homage to the golden eras (including nyabinghi)

but these guys probably aren't for the mainstream pop/reggae (ub40 & alike) reggae fans. it's pretty intense

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 05:23 PM

nice! groundation is soo good. i love these guys, they've never released a bad album. also love where they took their name from

How many albums they released?

allhourcymbals

06/28/08, 05:25 PM

i personally love his voice. the first time i had heard it, i wasn't so sure, but it grew on me. i really love the jazz feel from them.

allhourcymbals

06/28/08, 05:25 PM

six. i only have three so far though.

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 05:27 PM

Thanks. I just finished the songs on myspace. So I think I'll go out and get one (but not right now).

El_Jeffe

06/28/08, 05:31 PM

How many albums they released?

six to date, their last (upon the bridge) came in '06 & is brilliant. but my favourite from them is their first two, young tree & each one teach one. some of their later albums feature the likes of reggae greats like don carlos, from black uhuru fame & the legardy congos! if you know much about the congo's & nyabinghi music, it makes for one pretty powerful combination

i personally love his voice. the first time i had heard it, i wasn't so sure, but it grew on me. i really love the jazz feel from them.

i have them all minus dub wars. had he been fronting any other band i wouldn't of liked it, his voice fits soo well with their sound. the music is just as much a part of the band's message as his vocals are. so awesome

micahistheballs

06/28/08, 05:37 PM

Haha, I guess I Just proved my ignorance when it comes to reggae. On the bright side, I did listen to Nick Cave today and enjoyed it a lot.

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 05:41 PM

six to date, their last (upon the bridge) came in '06 & is brilliant. but my favourite from them is their first two, young tree & each one teach one. some of their later albums feature the likes of reggae greats like don carlos, from black uhuru fame & the legardy congos! if you know much about the congo's & nyabinghi music, it makes for one pretty powerful combination

Oh now you got me all excited. I've just received Upon The Bridge. I'll get one of the other ones later.

El_Jeffe

06/28/08, 05:45 PM

Haha, I guess I Just proved my ignorance when it comes to reggae. On the bright side, I did listen to Nick Cave today and enjoyed it a lot.

it's all about developing an ear for it mate. it's the same as pretty much every genre. some genres that end in "core" i can't tell the difference between most bands, i'm far from in the know about anything like that haha

& that's awesome! nick cave rules. trust me, even if you enjoy him from the get go, the more you familiarize yaself with him, the more you'll "get" it & love the tunes

Oh now you got me all excited. I've just received Upon The Bridge. I'll get one of the other ones later.

that album is pretty sweet, not as diverse as some of their previous albums, but probably a great starting point. even the album art kicks some serious caboose

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 05:48 PM

that album is pretty sweet, not as diverse as some of their previous albums, but probably a great starting point. even the album art kicks some serious caboose

I'll have to find that. I've got the mp3.

El_Jeffe

06/28/08, 05:59 PM

you're right mate, we should post their album art! /i just really enjoy it haha

young tree
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0002CPEVG.03.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

each one teach one
http://www.groundation.fr/Images/Pochettes/Each.jpg

hebron gate
http://www.ukreggaeguide.co.uk/uploads/pics/Hebron_Gate_02.jpg

we free again
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61BMS3REMVL._SL500_AA240_.jpg

upon the bridge
http://www.djouls.com/groove/images/Groundation-Upon_The_Bridge_b.jpg

(& thanks for dub wars courtney!)

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 06:04 PM

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 06:08 PM

God damn it the conversion for Upon The Bridge didn't work :bluesad:

Oh well I guess I'll just buy it like a good samaritan.

allhourcymbals

06/28/08, 06:08 PM

(& thanks for dub wars courtney!)

you're welcome, why didn't you post it? haha, i like this one a lot.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/Dub_wars.jpg

allhourcymbals

06/28/08, 06:09 PM

God damn it the conversion for Upon The Bridge didn't work :bluesad:

Oh well I guess I'll just buy it like a good samaritan.
I can re-up it in a little while if you want.

AlternateToLife

06/28/08, 06:12 PM

I can re-up it in a little while if you want.

Sure, goodness is over-rated anyway.

I really like the Dub Wars cover too.

El_Jeffe

06/29/08, 01:16 AM

also, some of the groundation guys have a side project, who are due to release their first album this year. band is called rockamovya & comprises of 3 groundation members, along with the unrivaled jazz-guitarist will bernard (motherbug, dr. lonnie smith, stanton moore trio) & the legendary leroy "horsemouth" wallace, who all roots fans will instantly be head over heels about, remembering he has been a member of the abyssinians & burning spear, etc. can't wait

El_Jeffe

07/13/08, 04:20 PM

i don't think i've ever seen a band start of with such a consistent string of albums ever. even the real legends of the genre had a few... "youth & inexperience" albums haha. now half a dozen albums in & still brilliant. no signs of slowing down

AlternateToLife

07/13/08, 06:59 PM

Oh I still haven't got one :-(

El_Jeffe

07/19/08, 05:59 PM

one of the greatest bands to have ever come out of this generation & american musical history. i almost feel bad for people who can't or don't seem to appreciate & listen to these guys. they're just sooo damn good

never have i seen a band put so much passion, intensity & innovation into a single song, let alone each album. each song is a beautiful & adventurous chapter adding to the entirety of the tale/album. it's magic. i know these guys might be a little full on for some people, but more people need to take a leap & give these guys a try. there's no doubt in my mind they will stand the test of time for generations to come too

Oh I still haven't got one :-(

i actually tried to up each one teach one for you yesterday, but lengthy tunes & dial-up internet... not the healthiest of combinations haha. but i'll get ya a link somehow mate

allhourcymbals

07/19/08, 11:26 PM

one of the greatest bands to have ever come out of this generation & american musical history. i almost feel bad for people who can't or don't seem to appreciate & listen to these guys. they're just sooo damn good

never have i seen a band put so much passion, intensity & innovation into a single song, let alone each album. each song is a beautiful & adventurous chapter adding to the entirety of the tale/album. it's magic. i know these guys might be a little full on for some people, but more people need to take a leap & give these guys a try. there's no doubt in my mind they will stand the test of time for generations to come too

i actually tried to up each one teach one for you yesterday, but lengthy tunes & dial-up internet... not the healthiest of combinations haha. but i'll get ya a link somehow mate
oh right, i was supposed to do that. i'm in brooklyn for the weekend, remind me in a few days.

Genuma

07/19/08, 11:30 PM

Do you write these descriptions yourself Craig?

El_Jeffe

07/20/08, 01:34 AM

oh right, i was supposed to do that. i'm in brooklyn for the weekend, remind me in a few days.

haha whenever's cool. i don't have the internet prowless you seem to

Do you write these descriptions yourself Craig?

yea more or less mate? i read a lot of info on many of my favourite bands & i look up some very specific information every & now & then. (like the amount of concert go'ers at their gigs in the first post). but yea, once i really get into a band like this, i like to know everything haha, interviews, biographies, articles, read it all. but i like to form my own views. why's that?

Genuma

07/20/08, 12:11 PM

haha whenever's cool. i don't have the internet prowless you seem to

yea more or less mate? i read a lot of info on many of my favourite bands & i look up some very specific information every & now & then. (like the amount of concert go'ers at their gigs in the first post). but yea, once i really get into a band like this, i like to know everything haha, interviews, biographies, articles, read it all. but i like to form my own views. why's that?
Cause they're always damn good. You know how to write a good summary or whatever you'd like to call it.

El_Jeffe

07/20/08, 05:25 PM

haha cheers johnno, but when a band's this good, it's not too hard

Long before the river did turn to dust
Man and man use to talk and
There was plenty food for all of them
The herb grew so free
We thought we too must be free
But now oh how wrong we were
We watched the pirates come in
Spittin' pon I yard
As they tore down head waters
Spittin' pon I yard
As they tore down back so wall

Fear not those who try to steal your culture
Stand firm like the bush doctor

Sail on you feared pirates I say
As we'll be taking our shelter
Beneath the young tree
Fly on you fallen angels I pray
And we'll be taking our shelter
Underneath the young tree

Now maybe their ships have gone
But mental scares do remain
To divide and confuse Jah people
Fighting against this reality
With their ego power games
We knew not how to play
They're running away our culture
But I know we will survive
Left in I man yard to rebuild up head waters
Left in I yard to protecting back o wall

Fear not those who try to steal your culture
Stand firm like the bush doctor

i hope there's some fans who know the sort of tales & issues stafford is referring to during this tune "long long ago". i love reading through his lyrics, i could post soo many songs, some powerful stuff

AlternateToLife

07/20/08, 05:26 PM

i actually tried to up each one teach one for you yesterday, but lengthy tunes & dial-up internet... not the healthiest of combinations haha. but i'll get ya a link somehow mate

Thanks Craig. I appreciate the effort haha

El_Jeffe

09/18/08, 08:36 PM

holy crap, i just heard the new groundation side project band, featuring some major players. for those wanting to know more, they're called rockamovya & consist of:

Rockamovya brings together long time Jazz-heavyweight, Grammy nominated Will Bernard (Motherbug, Stanton Moore trio, Dr. Lonnie Smith), the incomparable Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace (Burning Spear, The Abyssinians, the cult film classic “Rockers”) and Ryan Newman (bass), Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano) and Harrison Stafford (rhythm guitar/ vocals) of the internationally acclaimed Reggae-Fusion group Groundation

The expansive and altogether new sound Rockamovya emits is due in large part to the inter-generational links the album has created. Whether its Horsemouth’s 1960’s era steppers rhythms, Bernard’s 1970’s inspired jazz-funk licks, or the wholly unique 21st century roots sound of Groundation, Rockamovya reaches across demographics and genres to entice and enthral listeners of any and every tribe.

the new album came out in june, but took it's time finding my shores haha. it's a self titled wonder, that every fan of roots music needs to hear. i'll be back with more thoughts later, as i've only had a couple spins through so far. but very impressed

allhourcymbals

09/19/08, 12:01 AM

holy crap, i just heard the new groundation side project band, featuring some major players. for those wanting to know more, they're called rockamovya & consist of:

the new album came out in june, but took it's time finding my shores haha. it's a self titled wonder, that every fan of roots music needs to hear. i'll be back with more thoughts later, as i've only had a couple spins through so far. but very impressed
oooooh. i'm not home right now, but i'll check for it tomorrow. thanks for telling me otherwise i probably would have missed this haha.

El_Jeffe

09/19/08, 04:36 AM

no worries, it's soo good, feelin' this. the opening tune "take the night" sets such a great atmosphere for the album, that opening piano roll mixed with reggae licks, am i in kingston or new orleans? haha. just like any groundation album, expect a fusion of a range of styles. which is a great thing, fans with a background of nearly any genre could find enjoyment in this, but hardly anyone will bother to check it out. such a shame when such gorgeous music goes unnoticed

allhourcymbals

09/19/08, 08:21 AM

I'm intrigued by the name already haha.

El_Jeffe

09/19/08, 07:42 PM

it's a little cleaner than groundation’s usual work, but still steep in groove. a lot of wonderful meandering instrumental solos, chops & changes in rhythms (suddenly going from jamaican reggae to a more south american/latin-ish style was really cool!), lovin' it. surprised to hear stafford's vocals are much more sparse in comparison to groundation. i guess that was a big reason why he wanted to do a side-project, it's just strange to see such a renowned vocalist take a backseat a lot of the time. i love when he does that run on vocals, not quite singing, not quite toasting, pure awesome

weeberteeoatser

09/19/08, 08:03 PM

I'm liking it so far. I'll put this in the car tomorrow and listen to the rest of it, but so far so good. "Warrior Sound" has a real nice feel to it.

chipdip18

09/19/08, 08:25 PM

This probably my favorite Reggae group. They get some playing time in my regular rotation.

El_Jeffe

09/19/08, 11:04 PM

This probably my favorite Reggae group. They get some playing time in my regular rotation.

awesome! definitely up there for me as well, i absolutely adore this band. favourite albums or songs? have ya heard their side project, rockamovya?

chipdip18

09/19/08, 11:26 PM

awesome! definitely up there for me as well, i absolutely adore this band. favourite albums or songs? have ya heard their side project, rockamovya?

Whoa it took me forever to see you posted on here. Hmm.. well Young Tree is probably my favorite. I have not heard the side project, what's it like? Reggae i assume?

El_Jeffe

09/19/08, 11:31 PM

Whoa it took me forever to see you posted on here. Hmm.. well Young Tree is probably my favorite. I have not heard the side project, what's it like? Reggae i assume?

nice pick, that's my favourite after each one teach one. but as the band is yet to release a bad album, order doesn't make much difference i guess haha

it's really good, less intense than groundation, but as usual, a wonderful palette of sound & influence. the piano pieces in the opening tune take you back to new orleans rather than kingston. this page is riddled with descriptions of the album, it only came out in june, very good stuff

chipdip18

09/19/08, 11:38 PM

The description does sound really interesting, i'll definitely have to give it a look.

Jumpoff

04/27/09, 12:32 PM

Band is becoming my daily soundtrack. One More Day fits the nice weather so perfectly.

Jumpoff

04/27/09, 06:13 PM

i personally love his voice. the first time i had heard it, i wasn't so sure, but it grew on me. i really love the jazz feel from them.

Best voice in modern reggae in my opinion. Even better than Vic's, and that really is saying something.

El_Jeffe

04/28/09, 12:04 AM

eliselovesmusic

04/28/09, 02:00 AM

Have they/ will they come to Aotearoa?

Jumpoff

04/28/09, 03:20 PM

awesome, great so see these guys getting some listening time. their first two albums are still my favourite, but i love their entire catalogue, can't wait to see what comes next, & if their side project last year holds any influence on their sound or not

I've only heard their first two albums as of yet. I put off listening to them for quite a while, and I really regret it now. Everything about this band is so.. fresh? I guess that's the word haha. Each One Teach One is probably my favorite of the two.

allhourcymbals

04/28/09, 03:29 PM

Best voice in modern reggae in my opinion. Even better than Vic's, and that really is saying something.
Sweeet avatar, and hi<3

It grew on me a lot haha, I haven't listened to them in a while but it's so nice out today I think I might go relax to some of this outside.

chipdip18

04/28/09, 03:40 PM

Sweeet avatar, and hi<3

It grew on me a lot haha, I haven't listened to them in a while but it's so nice out today I think I might go relax to some of this outside.

Well look who came back from the grave. How's it going? Oh and listening to Groundation now.

Jumpoff

04/28/09, 03:55 PM

Sweeet avatar, and hi<3

It grew on me a lot haha, I haven't listened to them in a while but it's so nice out today I think I might go relax to some of this outside.

ayyyy. How's it going? haha. I think I'm going to go blast One More Day. The song is perfect in every way.

El_Jeffe

04/29/09, 02:56 AM

Have they/ will they come to Aotearoa?

not to my knowledge, but i wouldn't be surprised if they did in the next couple years. & there's no way i would miss that opportunity. these guys are, according to some very reliable sources, one of the greatest live bands this world has ever offered

I've only heard their first two albums as of yet. I put off listening to them for quite a while, and I really regret it now. Everything about this band is so.. fresh? I guess that's the word haha. Each One Teach One is probably my favorite of the two.

i think that's because of the ridiculous amount of influences this bands takes upon themselves to create such a rich & diverse sound. that's my favourite album too. hebron gate & we free again are also great listens & feature some wonderful musical guests

allhourcymbals

04/30/09, 11:46 AM

Well look who came back from the grave. How's it going? Oh and listening to Groundation now.

ayyyy. How's it going? haha. I think I'm going to go blast One More Day. The song is perfect in every way.

I've been better but at least the weather rocks lately over here haha. I lost a bunch of music when my computer broke a few months ago and Groundation went =[ I should be able to find it again though no problem. How are you guys?

chipdip18

04/30/09, 11:56 AM

I've been better but at least the weather rocks lately over here haha. I lost a bunch of music when my computer broke a few months ago and Groundation went =[ I should be able to find it again though no problem. How are you guys?

Oh bummer! I'm sorry to hear that you've had a rough time. I'm doing quite well. Use Sordo, that is such a good music database if you haven't heard of it. And i'm still loving Waxwane, i figured you'd like to hear that.

Jumpoff

04/30/09, 02:17 PM

I've been better but at least the weather rocks lately over here haha. I lost a bunch of music when my computer broke a few months ago and Groundation went =[ I should be able to find it again though no problem. How are you guys?

If you need any albums, I can upload just ask.

I'm feeling pretty awesome. School year is almost over and all that. Seeing the Menzingers again tomorrow, they have their new EP coming out in two weeks and their new album in June (I get to go to the record release party, chea).

allhourcymbals

05/01/09, 12:41 AM

Oh bummer! I'm sorry to hear that you've had a rough time. I'm doing quite well. Use Sordo, that is such a good music database if you haven't heard of it. And i'm still loving Waxwane, i figured you'd like to hear that.

Mmm Love You Moon... I love their cover of Greenback Dollar up on their myspace.

If you need any albums, I can upload just ask.

I'm feeling pretty awesome. School year is almost over and all that. Seeing the Menzingers again tomorrow, they have their new EP coming out in two weeks and their new album in June (I get to go to the record release party, chea).

Haha that's awesome. Still moving around the world? Haha, I found them but thanks.

theguy77

05/01/09, 01:15 AM

Mmm Love You Moon... I love their cover of Greenback Dollar up on their myspace.

Haha that's awesome. Still moving around the world? Haha, I found them but thanks.

so i heard the album you got your AP name from. fucking brilliant.

chipdip18

05/01/09, 09:33 AM

Mmm Love You Moon... I love their cover of Greenback Dollar up on their myspace.

.

I may have to swing by it later.

AlternateToLife

05/01/09, 12:05 PM

Yo I totally forgot Craig was the one who introduced these guys to me! I was jamming out to Head Strong earlier today haha.

allhourcymbals

05/01/09, 02:29 PM

so i heard the album you got your AP name from. fucking brilliant.
Took you long enough! Its funny though, my favorite song from them (so far) isnt even on the album! Its off of a compilation called Dark Was The Night

GziH8s7ksMo

murrich

11/13/09, 04:18 PM

Anyone listened to Here I Am?

El_Jeffe

01/04/10, 04:59 PM

Ahh, was just about to talk about Here I Am. Definitely one of my favourites of last year. I think the Rockamovya side project from the year previous was exceptionally timed for the future creative benefit of the band. Their last album Upon The Bridge, was a great album, & one I really enjoy, but their songs felt a little constricted at times, not their meandering & powerful journeys through song & spirit they once were. The new album really showcases that effect. So many different sounds & rhythms blended together beautifully to create a harmonic beauty. An album that really is slow to digest, but satisfies that hunger we all had at the news of a new album. Long live this great great band!