NEW RELEASE – APR 24 – GROUNDATION – BUILDING AN ARK
GROUNDATION RELEASES NEW STUDIO ALBUM
‘BUILDING AN ARK’ OUT APRIL 24 ON
VP RECORDS’ NEW IMPRINT DUB ROCKERS
Currently On Tour In Australia, New Zealand and Europe
Hailing from California’s Bay Area, Groundation will unleash their new studio album, entitled Building An Ark, on April 24, 2012 via Dub Rockers/VP/Universal Music. This 10-track set will be the first release off the new imprint Dub Rockers from reggae giant VP Records. The internationally acclaimed band stays true to the essence of their dynamic sound – capturing the true spirit of roots reggae while blending elements of jazz, funk, salsa and transcendental dub. The album’s hypnotic funk-based rhythms move from earthy percussion-based tracks to complex impressionistic dub compositions. This sophisticated selection of genre-bending sounds provides the perfect template for some of their most fiery militant and conscious lyrics to date.
Lead singer Harrison Stafford feels this is their finest work yet. “We are always wanting to challenge what we do and show progression in this music that is uniquely ours, and ‘Building An Ark’ is the best this group has ever sounded on record. Ours fans will feel that rare explosive energy that is Groundation with a focus on sonic quality, clarity and words of strength,” Stafford says.
Groundation formed in 1998 when three long time musicians Harrison Stafford (guitar/lead vocals), Marcus Urani (organ/keys/piano) and Ryan Newman (bass) met in the jazz program of California’s Sonoma State University. Over the years, the band grew to a 9-piece group including a jazz horn section, several percussion players and Jamaican background singers. They have released over a 9 albums independently – collaborating with reggae legends including Don Carlos and The Congos – and developed a very international cult following with their progressive sound and legendary live performances. They have toured extensively in over 30 countries on four continents – headlining several renowned European festivals like Summerjam and Rototom.
Groundation is currently amidst their 14th worldwide tour. The recently wrapped up shows in California and will continue to tour throughout Australia, New Zealand and Europe. They will return to the United States to tour in September 2012.
www.groundation.com
‘Building An Ark’ Track Listing:
1. Building An Ark
2. Humility
3. Be That Way
4. Payaka Way
5. Merry-Go-Round
6. The Dreamer
7. Who is Gonna
8. Keep It Up
9. Daniel
10. Sunlight Reflection
2012 Tour Schedule:
Mar 12 @ WOMAD in Adelaide, Australia
Mar 13 @ HiFi in Melbourne Vic, Australia
Mar 16 @ WOMAD in New Plymouth, New Zealand
Mar 17 @ WOMAD in New Plymouth, New Zealand
Apr 9 @ L’Observatoire Cergy in Pontoise, France
Apr 19 @ L’Usine in Istres, France
Apr 20 @ Le Quattro in Gap, France
Apr 22 @ Zénith de Strasbourg in Eckbolsheim, France
Apr 24 @ De Roma in Antwerp, Belgium
Apr 25 @ Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium
Apr 26 @ Zenith in Rouen, France
Apr 27 @ Le Phoenix in Bourges, France
Apr 28 @ Festival Yakayalé in Lorient, France
May 2 @ Universum in Stuttgart, Germany
May 3 @ Fabrik in Hamburg, Germany
May 4 @ C-Club in Berlin, Germany
May 7 @ Festival Zigoto Prod in Montelimar, France
May 8 @ Le Trianon in Paris, France
May 11 @ Le Cargo in Caen, France
May 13 @ La Sirene in La Rochelle, France
Additional dates will be announced.
