Customer Reviews

Young Tree

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

 

 

The rise of the dancehall deejays and the slackness style popularized by Yellowman finally overtook "roots and conscious" music in the early 80s as the dominant Jamaican reggae style. Few roots reggae bands of any consequence have emerged from Jamaica since, indeed, many of the standard bearers of the reggae revolution of the 70's have passed to the land of milk and honey. One never thinks of reggae music as a high risk profession, but many of Marley's generation were claimed by the Almighty, all too early. There is a handful of young American bands that have kept roots and conscious reggae alive, much like a small group of young, talented and white British musicians devoted themselves to the propagation of American blues in the late 60s. San Francisco's Groundation lead by Harrison Stafford and "Iron" Ryan Newman are arguably the finest of these American roots revival bands.

Harrison Stafford is a young academic who teaches the only college level accredited course in reggae history. Stafford's vocals will fool you. I wasn't aware that he was white when I first heard Groundation and his rough-hewn vocal style resembles that of Joseph Hill of Culture, or Albert Griffiths of the Gladiators. Despite their there formative years as students at Somona State University, Groundation certainly is not a bunch of white rastafarian dilletantes. Groundation delivers the goods. If Emeniem and the Beastie Boys can be great rappers, it's not much of a stretch that Groundation can play great reggae. Apparently at least two reggae giants agree; elder statesman Don Carlos and the deep roots vocal duet, the Congos are featured performers on Groundation's third album, "Herbron Gate". This album, "Young Tree" is their first which was orginally released in 1999 and remastered for wider distribution in 2002. Each cut is a killer, to use a Jamaican expression, but the standout is "Groundation Chant" which cuts a groove so deep that you have to get up, rise up and dance. Authenic reggae may never be restored to it's rightful place as the national music of Jamaica. Young Jamaican performers like Anthony B. give us hope, but for my money, Groundation is the keeper of the flame. "Young Tree", and Groundation's third album "Herbron Gate" are essentials CDs for fans of the roots and conscious reggae of the 70s and early 80s.

I was never a reggae fan, I enjoyed off course some Bob Marley, Gladiators or Black Huru classics, but this...it is the aaaabsolute soul killer (groundation chant for example)! The Doors were for me the top of the jazz rock fusion, with magnificient dark, deep, mythical atmospheres. This is its reggae counterpart : smooth, deep and mystical. Astonishing, a must have!

If you appreciate great roots reggae, you need to buy the entire set of Groundation albums. Each one is a classic. The vocals and band are so tight. Best non-Jamaican roots band, period!

I have been inspired by many a musician and artist in my short and fruitful existence, but nothing prepared me for Groundation...Expounding the quintessential purpose of Reggae music through masterful poetic prose, interfaced with gorgeous jazz-reggae fusion, Groundation is the continuing spirit of original-roots-reggae music!! Songs with unbridled passion flow through lead singer Harrison Stafford as if Bob Marley had reincarnated within his embodiment. Sound a little zealous, unmeritable?? I have never cried to a song in my life until I took Young Tree camping with me, lying aground to stare out to the perpetual cosmos while slow diving into this immaculant musical exposition. The music?? ...Yes, at moments it is ardently political...and yes, subsequently full of spiritual solutions. This is merely one of the multifarious reasons to examine Groundation. Do you want some reggae history? Well, H. Stafford has taught the only college level coarse in the U.S. on the History of Reggae Music, and his knowledge is omniscient within his lyrical delivery. This is still my favorite of Groundation's work--worthy of veneration!! Remember--God is everything...all the colors of the spectrum...all the corporeal...all the intangible--

Bless up and Respect to the Groundation crew for trodden the narrow path. This album is filled with excellent rythms and vocal expressions coming from the heart. Those lookin for Roots vibes will find. ESPECIALLY the nyabinghi tracks.

Quedar en Paz,

Nicodemus

My first problem with this band is the singer. He just tries too hard. It's full of cliches and bringing in famous Reggae names to collaborate doesn't help. It might help catch people's attention but this is just re-heated stuff.

There's so much good Reggae out there that this just won't go far. Maybe if you're new to Reggae... Next!