Through their musical evolution, spanning over a decade and now 7 full-length studio albums, Groundation has developed an international following that has brought people together from all continents, races and creeds. Throughout October and November, the 9-piece Bay Area band embarks on the North American segment of the Building An Ark 2012 World Tour. The 4-week stretch takes them back to their stomping grounds along the U.S. West Coast with one stop in Mexico City and key dates in Hawaii, then to the East Coast for select shows and a festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Already, the Building An Ark 2012 World Tour has seen the band play to tens of thousands of fans on four continents and over twenty countries. Opening acts on the U.S. portion include Trevor Hall and on select dates John Brown’s Body. Groundation will be supporting their latest CD Building An Ark and intergrating new songs from the album into their widely acclaimed show.
On Building An Ark, the acclaimed band stays true to the essence of their dynamic sound – capturing the true spirit of roots reggae while combining elements of jazz, funk, latin and transcendental dub. The album’s hypnotic funk-based rhythms move from earthy percussion-based tracks to complex impressionistic dub compositions. This 10-track set is filled with outstanding solos from every instrument and complimenting vocal harmonies. This sophisticated selection of genre-bending sounds provides the perfect template for some of their most fiery militant and conscious lyrics to date.
About Groundation
Groundation formed in 1998 when three long time musicians Harrison Stafford (guitar/lead vocals), Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano) and Ryan Newman (bass) met in the jazz program of Sonoma State University. Over the years, the band grew to a 9-piece group including a jazz horn section, several percussion players and Jamaican background singers. They have released over 9 albums independently – collaborating with reggae legends including Don Carlos and The Congos – and developed a very international jam band following with their progressive sound and legendary live performances. They have toured extensively on four continents – headlining several renowned European festivals like Summerjam and Rototom. Known for ever-changing set lists and extended improvisation grooves, the band will be sure to surprise fans on the last leg of their 14th worldwide tour.
iTunes ‘Building An Ark’ Purchase Link:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/building-an-ark/id506580934
Watch Official Video for the Single “Humility”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTvuomhK_XI
Watch “Merry Go ‘Round” Live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6N7R78yjdA
“Groundation’s nine-piece lineup never fails to enthrall crowds by way of legitimate roots reggae, high musicality, and an unnamable, addicting vibe that fills whatever room the band occupies.”
–The Onion AV Club
“Groundation has gained fans around the world for their jazz-influenced roots reggae.”
–-Rolling Stone
“Sonoma’s roots reggae explorers Groundation have earned an international following with an improvisation and dub-laced sound powered by one-drop beats.”
–San Francisco Chronicle
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