roots and culture | Musicosity

roots and culture

Groundation

Groundation is a Fusion-Reggae band based in Sonoma County, California. It was established in 1998 by Harrison Stafford, Ryan Newman and Marcus Urani upon their meeting at the Jazz program at Sonoma State University. Groundation's music incorporates the lyrical struggle of Roots Reggae, the progressive musicianship of Funk/Jazz fusion, and other-worldly transcendental Dub. The 9-piece band creates an altogether new Reggae sound, featuring swirling horns, stout poly-rhythmics, and soulful harmony vocals.

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Etana

Arguably the most prolific female vocalist in present day Reggae singer/ songwriter Etana has struck a cord with the masses and like any beautiful melody she’s winning the hearts of the people one song at a time. Spirited in her approach to communicate fitting and inspirational messages to the youth she’s been described by critics as the truth, one who will bring about real change with her powerful and captivating voice that at times seem flawlessly pure.

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Junior Marvin

Junior Marvin (aka Junior Kerr aka Junior Hanson aka Julian Marvin) is a Jamaican born guitarist. Junior met Bob Marley on February 14, 1977 (Valentine's Day) and thereafter joined Bob Marley and The Wailers Band. After Bob Marley passed Junior carried on the music of The Wailers Band releasing albums ID, Majestic Warriors, Jah Message, and My Friends. Junior is commonly confused with Junior Murvin who also is a reggae artist.

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Glen Washington

Glen Washington is a Jamaican reggae/soca singer, songwriter and drummer. Washington evolved from humble beginnings. Born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica he is currently a popular artist in reggae music. this has come after many years of recording and waiting in the wings. In 1997, he released his debut album Brother To Brother and, to date, has released 10 albums. Washington began his musical career in the early seventies as the lead singer for the group Names and Faces.

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Junior Murvin

Junior Murvin (born Murvin Smith Jr. in Port Antonio, circa 1949) is a Jamaican reggae artist. He is best known for the classic single "Police and Thieves", produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1976. Murvin's soaring voice and the infectious rhythm made "Police and Thieves" into an international hit during the summer of 1976. The song was so influential that it was recorded by the punk rock pioneers The Clash on their debut album the following year.

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Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru is a Jamaican band probably best known for their hits "Shine Eye Gal", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Sinsemilla," "Solidarity," and "What Is Life?". They were the first group to win a Grammy in the reggae category when it was introduced in 1985. They originally formed as 'Black Sounds Uhuru' (the Kiswahili word for freedom). The first line-up of the group was Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, and Derrick "Duckie" Simpson.

Read more about Black Uhuru on Last.fm.

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Cornell Campbell

Cornell, or Cornel, Campbell started recording in 1956, cutting shuffle and early ska tunes like "My Treasure" and "Don't Want Your Loving" at the ubiquitous Studio One for Coxsone Dodd. His singing style is delicate and ephemeral, making heavy use of falsetto. His stint at Studio One produced some beautiful tunes like Stars, Queen Of The Minstrels, Magic Spell, Trick In The Book and many others. His sister, Cecille Campbell, also sang at Studio One and was a member of the Soulettes with Rita Marley.

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