Groundation

I recall first being introduced to the sound of Groundation in my high school years. I wasn’t really a reggae fan at the time, but was instantly captured by the mighty horn section, tight band, and socially conscious, poetic lyricism of Harrison Stafford, and his band Groundation.

​You didn’t have to be a dedicated, dreadlocked reggae fan to enjoy this music with it’s nods to soul, motown, folk, and funk. At the same time, in no way is Groundation a watered down version of reggae. They are authentic to the highest level.

Authentic.

Authentic, that’s the word that sums up what Harrison was looking for when he first came to Prairie Sun. The organic synergy of vintage microphone, to neve console, to 2” tape, and an engineer who can make it all vibrate like a stone shot from the heavens. That engineer is Jim Fox, the king of roots recording. Culture, Don Carlos, Israel Vibrations; Jim has touched some of the best reggae to ever grace this earth, and engineered every Groundation record, Hebron Gate onward. 

“I’m ready for the next Groundation record.”

After a three year Hiatus, Harrison called Mooka, “I’m ready for the next Groundation record.” Empowered by a new set of songs, and a reformed and renewed band, Groundation charged into Studio B, Jim Fox, once again, at the helm.

Titled ‘The Next Generation,’ the record features the likes of Will Blades on organ, clav, and keys, bassist Isaiah Palmer, Craig Berletti on Trumpet, and a band of ace players.

‘The Next Generation’ will be released on September 21st. I highly suggest you pick up this album! Amazing players, fat analog tones, and some excellent songwriting.

​Remember that word; Authenticity.