SLO Brew Live + (((folkYEAH!))) present ~ Groundation
Concerts at SLO Brew Rocks, 855 Aerovista Place, 93401 San Luis Obispo Kort
mið. 30.09.2026 19:00
More than two decades into a storied career, GROUNDATION has helped define American roots reggae, while building a large and loyal following in Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, and the US where they have been a consistent major headliner and festival attraction for the last 18 years.GROUNDATION formed in 1998 when Stafford started a roots reggae/jazz fusion group with fellow students at the Jazz Performance program at Sonoma State University. Staffords interest and knowledge of the reggae genre led to him developing and offering a course he taught at Sonoma State called The History of Reggae Music. Reggae legends like Joseph Hill of Culture and historical icons like Abba Melchezadek (Haile Selassies private secretary) amongst others came and shared their personal experiences with the classes.GROUNDATIONs first two albums, Young Tree and Each One Teach One, established their unique roots sound, while also commencing collaborations with foundational reggae artists. Each One Teach One features the vocalist Marcia Higgs and the Nyabinghi drumming master Ras Michael. In 1999, while in Jamaica, Harrison met the legendary studio engineer Jim Fox, who did extensive production and recording for RAS Records, including their most iconic releases. This was the beginning of a longstanding relationship between GROUNDATION and Lion and Fox recording studios. Subsequently Fox re-mastered Young Tree and Each One Teach One and he recorded and mixed Hebron Gate (2003) the album that solidified their unique and jazzy approach to their music.
Flytjendur
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Groundation
Formed in 1998, GROUNDATION is among the world’s reggae legends.
Their first two albums (YOUNG TREE and EACH ONE TEACH ONE) established a unique roots sound, distinctive to GROUNDATION. In 2002, the album HEBRON GATE was recorded, achieving immediate success and propelling the group to international fame, a masterpiece of their progressive and unique roots reggae.
In 2018, after the departure of some of its founding members, the legendary Californian band reformed around its leader HARRISON STAFFORD. He surrounded himself with the best musicians who, like him, graduated from the prestigious Sonoma State University. The resulting sound remains deeply faithful to the jazz-tinged reggae that has made GROUNDATION’s reputation since its inception. This new generation of virtuosos brings all its talent, creativity, and energy to the concerts.
After more than two decades and ten studio albums, GROUNDATION, which has helped define American roots reggae, is back with CANDLE BURNING, his 11th studio album. This new work perpetuates the group’s legend with the same commitment to sophisticated music and impeccable sound quality, recorded 100% analog.
HARRISON STAFFORD, at the helm of the formation, has the power to create intense tracks with complex yet captivating arrangements, combined with engaged, poetic, and deeply human lyrics.
In its approach to respecting music and defending analog, the group chose to record its new album at the internationally renowned ICP Studio in Brussels. The venue, with its cutting-edge equipment, has welcomed the biggest names in music since its opening (Pharrell Williams, The Cure, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Cat Stevens, Simple Minds, Lana Del Rey...). The mixing is handled by the legendary JIM FOX (Lion and Fox Studios). A finely crafted collection that results in an album of exceptional quality and vision.
