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Groundation - Each One Teach One & Dub (Remixed & Remastered)
Groundation - Each One Teach One & Dub (Remixed & Remastered)
Not alone is the all-important musical content worthy, but so also are the messages and the packaging of this remixed and remastered 2001 original.
Sampler
Well done to Professor Harrison Stafford’s Californian Groundation reggae band for this jazz-tinted (or tainted?) ‘top drawer’ release. Not alone is the all-important musical content worthy, but so also are the messages and the packaging of this remixed and remastered 2001 original. Special bonuses are that there is also now a dub version included and booklet with all background information - incl. the lyrics – tucked neatly into a slot inside the gatefold package.
Opening track Weak Heart meshes Stafford’s straining vocals to a roots reggae style, neatly interspersed with some delectable brass. The tune far surpasses the message – which chides Weak Hearts for judging people. Unfortunately, whilst the ‘judge not’ maxim is to be applauded, such is the human condition that (biases and all) we do judge – both consciously and unconsciously – on an ongoing basis – c’est la vie! Next up, with some pleasant vocal ensembles, is We Na Forget (Rome), taking a cut off the Roman Empire and its past and present maraudings. Then Wanna Know takes time to chide the false dreads inna de yard, as co-author Urani’s organ adds contrasting and melodic tones to the heavy message delivered by Stafford. Unfortunately Urani and most of the line up on the release are not part of Groundation 2018. But their stamp is sure throughout this double cd. Thereafter Throwing Stones could be directed at President Trump ‘for you’re spending your money .. building all of your walls’, as – set to some sweet sax - Stafford wisely warns to ‘love all and trust a few’.
The mood alters on One More Day (Live It Up) as Stafford’s vocals are accompanied by some acoustic strumming, before the brass boys kick in to maximum effect, serving to underline another important message as the track moves from themes of morality to mortality. This is followed by Head Strong where deploying a basic rhythm, the merit of passing messages across generations is promoted. The much faster paced If I delivers yet more warnings and messages of a moral hue, with the organ solo highlighting before a haunting echo effect closes the track. Then Waterfall comes crashing in at an easier pace, enabling Stafford’s vocals to feature at their finest. Thus is the scene set for the Nyahbingi Order, with permanent percussion to remind us of the music’s origins. Naturally Jah Spirt follows this spiritual input, whilst preceding the release’s title track Each One Teach One that surprises with its soft entrée and philosophical pinings set to too rare female vocal intersperses. Marcia Higgs and Ras Michael also make welcome contributions.
The release’s dub version is recorded by King Robby and is arguably sometimes sweeter and stronger than the main disc. All round, this double disc is a winner. Notably, it was recently announced that lead singer Harrison Stafford has eight new band members. Best of luck to all concerned for yet more earnest endeavours and sweet sounds.
Each One Teach One & Each One Dub One (Remixed & Remastered) was released on March 16th, 2018 and is available from Baco Records on CD, LP and digital download.
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