Greetings Groundation crew, we trust this post finds you all well.
Having been a few months since our last post let us recap a bit. December and January, though we were off the road, were busy months for us as we ventured into the studio to begin work on our next full length Groundation release entitled "Here I Am." We are very excited about this next project as it signals a new direction in the evolution of our sound. Stay tuned for more details as to when this album will be released.
In February we headed out on our 9th annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour, once again featuring legends Will Bernard (guitar) and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (drums). Some people wonder why a band like Groundation, with the busy touring schedule we have, would take time out to pay homage to the prophet Robert Nesta Marley by playing his music. Its simple really; the music and message that Bob embodied is that which this world still desperately needs.
When the time comes that this message is no longer needed, when suffering en masse comes to an end or when justice becomes available to all, then we may let it rest. Until then we forward Marley's music and message. It also helps out greatly to be joined on the road by such luminaries as Wallace and Bernard (read more about Bernard's ongoing exploits below); with all ten of us on stage Marley's music takes on new shapes and forms and progresses new visions.
We are currently touring through South America, including our first time playing to the wonderful people of Lima, Peru. Buenos Aires, Argentina was so receptive to our return that two shows at Niceto Club were needed. And, as always, our sisters and brothers in Brazil have been coming out in droves to fill our shows with strong energy and true positivity. We are so blessed to be able to come back once again to the America of the South, and are already looking forward to our return.
In April we are set to return to The Reunion Islands and play two shows in Greece: Athens and Thessaloniki. If you are unfamiliar with what has been happening in Greece since December we recommend you do some research. In the world's oldest continous civiliaztion people are rising up and exerting their true Democratic energies through mass collectivization and demonstrations of solidarity. Once again we find ourselves able to share our music with people hungry for it, people living consciously towards a better future. We are ready Greece...see you soon.
Will Bernard is one of those rare musicians in the U.S. today. His style cannot really be categorized, though his influences clearly run deep. The one word that can begin to break down his sound is Fusion, taking many different styles and cooking them down into an original and progressive stew. We are happy to help announce Bernard's next big tour featuring other legends of the Fusion music scene Andy Hess on bass (John Scofield), Stanton Moore on drums (Galactic) and John Medeski on keyboards and gadgets (Medeski Martin & Wood). This supergroup will be playing tracks off of Bernard's most recent release "Blue Plate Special," as well as some heady covers. Check out Bernard's site for more information and be sure to check out the show when it comes to your area, truly not to be missed!
Looking forward....in June and July Groundation will be returning to our home away from home, Europe, for a tour headlining some of the biggest festivals on the continent. In August we will return home to do the same, starting off with a big headlining slot at the Northwest World & Reggae Festival in Oregon (special guests?). And remember, look for "Here I Am" to be released very soon indeed!
As always, you can stay tuned by signing up for our newletter at
www.Groundation.com. We are always looking for street teamers here in the states to help spread the message of Groundation, email USTM Nicholas at
tm@groundation.com if you are interested.
We are only that which our fans allow us to be.....so spread the word: Groundation is coming.
www.Groundation.comwww.Rockamovya.comwww.myspace.com/Rockamovyawww.WillBernard.comwww.myspace.com/WillBernardThank you for supporting conscious music....