Groundation

Groundation was formed at the Jazz Program on the campus of Sonoma State University in the fall of 1998 by Marcus Urani (Piano/Keys/Organ), Ryan Newman (Bass) & Harrison Stafford (Vocals/Guitar). It was at university that the core of the group honed their musicianship as well as their worldly outlook. It was there that Stafford taught the first California-accredited class on the History and Culture of Reggae Music. In 2000 they added David Chachere, a San Francisco based Jazz trumpeter, and Kelsey Howard, fellow SSU alum and North Bay trombone player, to the line up. Saxophonist Jason Robinson has since gone on to be head of the Jazz program at UC San Diego and is currently starting a Jazz Program at one of Boston’s most prestigious private colleges. Percussionist Mingo Lewis Jr. (son of legendary Santana percussionist Mingo Lewis), came to the group in 2003; Jamaican backup singers Kim Pommell and Stephanie Wallace followed in 2004; and the most recent addition, jazz/fusion drummer TeKanawa Haereiti, came on board just in early 2008, replacing longtime Groundation drummer “Papa” Paul Spina (Les Claypool, Motherbug).
Groundation’s sound can best be described as an organic fusion of Roots Reggae, heavy Funk/Jazz fusion, and transcendental Dub, truly creating a sum greater than all of its parts. The seeds of this progressive sound have been planted across the world and the fruits are clearly coming to bear. Since their first European tour in 2004, Groundation has gone on to play in nearly 30 countries on four continents the world over, as varied as Poland, Greece, Brazil & Israel. Throughout, they’ve headlined renowned festivals such as the Nice Jazz Fest (France), Summerjam (Germany), Rototom Sunsplash (Italy), The Cactus Festival (Belgium) and, this fall, The Papa Kiki Festival (New Caledonia). Their touring of Europe has reached new heights with a Spring 2008 sold out show at Paris’ Le Zenith, with some 5,800+ fans in attendance.
Not to be relegated to the lands across the Atlantic and Pacific, Groundation embarked in the Summer of 2008 on a massive coast-to-coast U.S. tour; from Tijuana, MX to Burlington, VT, and everywhere in between. Attempting a tour which virtually no other independent American band today has accomplished is no small task: Groundation played some 40+ shows over 7 weeks, covering over 12,500 miles. With sell outs in as varied markets as Honolulu, Minneapolis, Virginia Beach, Austin, Tallahassee, & Manhattan, it is clear that Groundation’s time has come. Once again, it seems, an American band who after years of limitless triumphs abroad is finally seeing similar success here at home. In addition, Groundation is the progenitor of Young Tree Records (f. 1999), a California-based Independent record label. Young Tree has put out works by the cream of the Roots Reggae crop, including The Congos, Pablo Moses, Andrew "Bassie" Campbell, Winston "Flames" Jarrett as well as the entirety of the expansive Groundation catalog. Groundation pulls off the rarest of feats in today’s corporate-consumer world: A progressively-minded and sounding music group, wholly self-sustaining and perpetuating.
Serious times calls for serious music and Groundation, on numerous fronts, delivers. Combining Reggae’s hunger for equality and social justice with Jazz music’s core of incessantly fresh improvisation, Groundation is quickly becoming the band to watch early in the 21st Century. As this globalized world continues to get smaller, it is essential for all communities and cultures to have ample and equal representation. Groundation is the biggest, most respected American Reggae band in the world today; come find out why…
What are people saying about Groundation?


“Groundation’s music is sophisticated...[live] they are highly energetic and as enthusiastic as the crowd. Refreshing… --UK Reggae News


“Groundation has gained fans around the world for their jazz-influenced roots reggae. [Their live shows’ energy] add a hypnotic resonance to their groove-based songs.” --Rolling Stone
“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
Interview opportunities can be made available by contacting:

Radio: Bob Slayton - onelove@humboldt.net
Print: Aliana Knapp-Prasek -aliana@Groundation.com
Publicist: Nicholas Harris - pr@Groundation.com
www.Groundation.com
www.Groundation.com/elec_press_kit.html
www.Rockamovya.com
www.myspace.com/Groundation
www.myspace.com/Rockamovya