Customer Reviews

Hebron Gate

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If I were to be stuck on a deserted island and I could only bring is one CD, this is the one I would take. This album in addition to "each one teach one" blows up the reggae scene. In this day, I feel as if reggae is being taken over by dancehall and techno-effects, but this album completley proves me wrong....This Groundation album comes packed with beatiful vocals by Harrison Stafford (not to mention Don Carlos as Guest vocals), old school style beat, soulful lyrics, and just all together Gooooodness! For all those concerned that the true reggae culture is dying and reggae is just becoming a fad, an "industry of cool", seek Groundation and they shall set your worries free, for they will revolutionize modern reggae. Modern reggae needs purification and these guys will supply it....Let roots reggae live, never forget your roots...

This is my favorite reggae album I own. Although I can understand the voice being a question mark for some people, I happen to really enjoy Harrison Stafford's unique flavor he brings to reggae. But what I can't see is any reggae fan question is the instrumentation. This band has tapped into something totally fresh while still wearing their roots on their sleeve. It's so jazzy and funky with a rolling reggae heartbeat the whole way through.

The opening track "Jah Jah Know" shows their maturation of song-crafting. The growling organ that drops into a jabbing horn line accented by a subtle guitar riff and classic reggae keys and percussion opens this masterpiece. The vocals are a perfect fit for this tune and the organ sweeps with every change punctuating the overall feeling that you're fighting a war for a good cause. Throw in a jazzy trumpet solo that flows seamlessly with its complimentary sections and you have yourself an original and arguably perfect tune.

The rest of this disc is chock full of similar genious structure without feeling forced at all. Uplifting progressions that take you by surprise ("Babylon Rule Dem"), tons of horn lines that will shape your arms when you walk ("Picture On The Wall"), rootsy backup vocals at just the right dose ("Silver Tongue Show", "Something More"), different time signatures teamed up that you wouldn't think of but make so much sense ("Hebron"), thick thick bass lines, fantastic guest appearances by Don Carlos and The Congos ("Freedom Taking Over", "Undivided"), conscious lyrics that truly tell the story at hand, and a strong feeling of closure to an album built on heart, struggle, soul and beauty. (And again that organ, that sweeping organ!)

I found it funny that 'rootsman' basically said those who liked this album and like the band are folks with untrained ears. I looked at his reviews and noticed 5 stars given to Midnite's 'Cipheraw'. I find that album unoriginal and boring with a couple of solid tunes, like most of Midnite's albums. My point, it's his opinion and this is mine. I feel passionate about this album and now you know a few reasons why.

Hebron Gate sits in the throne of reggae albums for me. 6 stars if I could.

It seems Groundation continues to put out solid efforts time after time and this cd is no exception. The tracks with Don Carlos and The Congos are fantastic and "Weeping Pirates" is my other favorite track. Yes, the singer has a unique voice which some may find hard to take but I sort of compare the band to Geddy Lee and Rush because once you get used to the singer's style, the whole band comes together very nicely. The band has a fantastic keyboard player (and rythym section) who have become one of my favorites of all time. Many of the best songs from this album appear in dub form on their new "Dub Wars" cd which is also very good if you are into the band. These guys need to stop doing Bob Marley Tribute shows and play their own stuff more often. Definitely check them out.

This is one of the best roots musicians i've seen in years. I saw them in concert in hawaii it was a spritual concert i will always remember. The lead singer is a Rastafari professer , that has graduated to zion. He sounds like the lost member of the congos " congo ashanti" . I recommed all there cds but this one is a must for your first issue.
Jah live,
Ras rizzla

groundation is what you get when you take everything that has happened since the 60's when reggae began in jamaica and put it in a blender. You can find elements of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Max Romeo, Augustus Pablo, Sizzla and more. Incredible music. Buy all of their cd's. This one is more produced and well rounded than their first recordings, Young Tree is raw and the lyrics are deep and the music is mystical.

"Preserving the History and Integrity of Roots Reggae"

go to www.groundation.com for more information.

I had heard of Groundation in passing and decided to pick up Hebron Gate and check it out. Wow. From the moment the first sounds started until it ended, I was hooked. I haven't been able to take this CD of my player. The sound, the quality, the lyrics, all are amazing. If you are even considering picking up this album, do it! You have my word that you will not (could not) be disappointed.

These guys are good. I'm not so good at music reviews. But if you like Midnite, you will love Groundation. I can't wait to get more of their CDs!!!

from the first thump of the drum, this album puts its place in reggae history. the place is in the upper echelon of reggae ever released, especially in the United States. now, the talent of groundation to play music is as high as it comes, the additions of Don and Cedric only make it that much better. it is very difficult as a reggae fan to find words for something that is so complete musically and vocally. listening to the lead singer wail his heart out in each and every song just sets a tone to how much effort groundation puts out. unfortunately for some, they cannot respect not only the complexity and quality of groundation, but the integrity that they uphold. to argue that groundation is for the unrefined ear is to have an ear that is unrefined. thanks to groundation for giving us such a true gift. big ups to all who support serious downbeat reggae, not to those who are negative about something that is so positive.

This might be one of the best reggae albums of all time excluding the Late Great Bob Marley! These guys know how to play thier instruments. Probably the best reggae band out there today. They also preserve the integrity of reggae. I recomend seeing them live if you have the opportunity. Visit them at www.groundation.com
Jah Live

This album, Hebron gate is the standard for Groundation. It's what Exodus was for Bob marley and Handsworth revolution for Steel Pulse.
Only solid tracks , especially the last two songs wich are with the congos and don carlos. classics already.
most of the songs are played at every concert. the following cd's were less i think. sometimes groundation loses itself in complexity .

Zion....dreaming of an iron gate...Dragon....Fire gonna burn them All!!
need I to say more? Get this one and forget the rest.