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 acclaimed Groundation aims to take the art of genre-bending to new heights by blending elements of both Jazz/Funk fusion and transcendental Dub in their amalgam of sound.
The name 'Groundation' came from the Rastafarian ceremony of the same name. Its goal of trying to get everyone on the same level so people can communicate and feel free to educate each other while also learning from each other. Groundation was founded in the fall of 1998 when three long time musicians Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano), Ryan Newman (bass), and Harrison Stafford (guitar/lead vocals) came together to form the core of the pioneering sound.
They were later Joined in 2000 by San Francisco based Jazz trumpeter David Chachere and the North Bay’s Kelsey Howard on trombone. Groundation saxophonist Jason Robinson has gone on to become the head of the Jazz program at UC San Diego as well as breathing new life into the Southern California Jazz scene. Drummer Paul Spina (Les Claypool, Will Bernard’s Mother Bug) has been with the group since taking over from original set player James Stafford in December 2001. Bay area percussionist Mingo Lewis Jr. brings Latin and African infused rhythms, adding heady layers to Groundation’s already stout syncopations. Jamaicans Kerry Ann Morgan and Kim Pommell, joining the group in 2006 and 2007 respectively, have already helped take Groundation’s harmonies and live shows to new heights.
Though Groundation has played in 30 countries on 4 continents in just the last few years (headlining huge multi-genre festivals in France, Italy, Morocco and Brazil to name but a few), Summer ’08 marks their first tour in the U.S. east of Colorado. Worlds will collide as Groundation’s internationally seasoned high-energy show style meets the American heartland, culminating in what will surely be a historic tour.
(www.Groundation.com/live.html)
June 2008 also marks the release of the first Groundation side project featuring Grammy-nominated Jazz guitarist Will Bernard (Stanton Moore Trio, Dr. Lonnie Smith) as well as Jamaican Reggae legend Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace (Burning Spear, The Abyssinians the cult film “Rockers”) on drums. This album, already generating considerable buzz throughout the music industry, will surely go down as an early 21st century classic (www.Rockamovya.com).
