Groundation - Here I Am

I wish this generation could stop caring about what song is the most popular on the radio, or who has the hottest video on MTV right now. No offense to the people that are into that type of stuff, but me personally would hope that people realize that there is still REAL music out there. People are actually still playing instruments and are actually still making songs and albums that have structure and a meaning behind it.

Groundation is the perfect example of that. Mention this band to anyone that’s into roots music and you’ll probably get the same reaction every time. Their music could never be put into words or be described to someone who has never heard of them before. They’ve always had this unique and genius way of blending jazz, reggae, blues and dub together. Each and every person in this band is such a talented and gifted musician. Seeing them live is a life changing experience. Right off the bat their live show is always flowing with high positive energy, and throughout the show they give you the privilege of seeing improvisation at it’s finest. Here I Am is the bands six full-length album to date.

As I type this im actually listening to the album over and over again. If you’ve heard Groundation before then you already know what to expect from these guys. Harrison Staffords voice on this album is just amazing. His vocal patterns on every song are always different but always match the song so perfect. Lyric wise he has always had a very conscious mind, his songs always seem to tell tales of struggle, life, the times we are living in, and of course the fight against Babylon system. Not to mention he’s an amazing guitarist and very fun to watch on stage. He really seems to connect with the music and his listeners, whether its through an album, or through his stage presence.

Starting the CD off with a full-blown two-minute jam session sets the whole vibe for Here I Am. From the first time ive ever heard Groundation I was always impressed with Marcus Urani’s organ/keyboard work. This album is no different. The first track titled “Run The Plan” easily became my favorite track after only a few listens. He gives the organ in this song a kind of sci-fi sound to it, leaving you in this state of being lost and really makes you anticipate what’s going to happen in the song. Throughout the whole song you can see what he really brings to the table as a musician. He adds so much to Groundation as a band, and Here I Am most definitely proves that. Here I Am also lets you see a different side of the Groundation family. After seeing a Groundation tribute to Bob Marley show, I was blown away by Kim Pommell and Stephanie Wallaces performance. I’ve been waiting and wanting to hear more from them and on this record the girls are singing lead on three tracks including the title track. The way they all sing together makes you feel the songs more, and gives a lot of depth to each track individually. Their voices blend together so beautifully, and with the help of Stafford, I think this group has some of the best vocals of today.

Drum and bass is like the heart and soul of any reggae song. They’re the ones holding the pace and the groove of the whole song. When you hear Ryan Newman and Te Kanawa Haereiti playing together on this album you will totally understand what I mean. Haereiti has amazing drumming skills, his grooves will keep you dancing throughout the whole album. Originally from Las Vegas, he played Polynesian and Hawaiian percussion for dancers. You can definitely tell that Vegas has exposed him to so many different types of music and musicians, and on this album it all comes together. Newmans basslines are so catchy and stand out so much on this record. He just puts you into this groove that makes you really dig into the music and really feel the songs and not just listen to them. Prime example of this is the track titled “You Can Profit.” This is probably my favorite bassline out of the whole album. As soon as it hits you just want to close your eyes and get lost in this super walky bassline. The drum and bass on Here I Am shows you that these instruments should never be overlooked, and should always be taken into consideration. Especially when they are being played by such talented performers playing together in unity and happiness all for a positive cause are playing them.

The horn section in Groundation is so entertaining to watch live, and hear on an album. No offense to anyone else in the band, but I think personally that Kelsey Howard and David Chachere are the two main contributors to the bands jazz side. Every solo I’ve ever heard whether it be live or on a Groundation cd has blown me away. Just listen to the trumpet solo on the title track and im pretty sure that you would agree with me. Its heavily jazz influenced and so well played that someone who has never heard reggae in their life would appreciate it. These two guys do it best, seeing them perform is such a treat, not only cause they play their instruments but because they also play other little instruments that add so much to a song. Just writing this is making me wish I could watch Groundation play this instant.

All in all, if you don’t have this album go get and support these guys. They deserve it. Who else would take a whole month off to dedicate a bunch of shows to Bob Marley and perform them live for your pleasure. Might I add that they are the closest that anyones ever gonna get to hearing Bob and the Wailing Wailers ever again. Groundation will always remain one of my all time favorite bands and I will always continue to support them in any way that I can. Come back to Oahu already guys, we miss you!

While researching for this review I came across two quotes that gave me chicken skin throughout my whole body. I thought I would share them with everyone.

“Some may wonder why a band like Groundation takes a month out of each year to pay homage to the music and legacy of Bob Marley. In our consumeristic world, you can see Bob's image and imprint everywhere...almost to the point of diluting the intensity of Marley's truly revolutionary life. We choose to play this music because the lessons have yet to be learned, the conscious shift to the positive that our world so desperately needs, and that Marley foretold, has yet to happen. And, until this happens, Marley's music must be played, be heard, be felt.”

This one almost brought me to tears, it almost felt like they were telling it right to my face at the time haha.“A special thank you to all of our friends and family in Hawaii,our home away from home. Maui, Oahu and Kauai are home to the most conscious people on the planet, no doubt heavily influenced by their unrivaled natural surroundings.”

Just two more reasons why Groundation will always remain one of my favorite bands of all time.