One Rock Groundation
Released in 2022, ONE ROCK marks the tenth studio entry for Groundation, a project that further cements the band's reputation for pushing the boundaries of progressive roots reggae. Recorded on 2" analog tape at Prairie Sun Studios, the album captures a warmth and organic tension that reflects the era of its creation. Vocalist and founder Harrison Stafford steers the ensemble through nine tracks of complex, jazz-infused arrangements, utilizing everything from a three-piece horn section to a classical string trio—a first for the group that adds a cinematic depth to the record's opening movements.The album serves as a masterclass in collaboration, bridging the gap between the genre's foundational legends and Groundation's forward-thinking fusion. Stafford's deep-seated respect for the "veterans" of reggae is on full display here, bringing together the iconic voices of Israel Vibration, The Abyssinians, and The Congos. These aren't mere cameos; the parts were written specifically to highlight the unique phrasing and spiritual gravity of each group, particularly on the title track and the percussion-heavy “Original Riddim”."Within the Easy Star Records catalog, ONE ROCK stands as a heavy, polyrhythmic counterpart to the label's more traditional roots releases. It carries the torch of the technical precision found in the Easy Star All-Stars tribute projects while maintaining the improvisational soul that has made Groundation a global festival staple. From the solo piano intros of “Market Price” to the odd-meter one-drop rhythms throughout, the album is a dense, rewarding listen that honors the past while aggressively charting new territory for the genre.Beyond its technical achievements, ONE ROCK represents a pivotal moment in the band's timeline, arriving just before their deep-dive retrospective, DREAMING FROM AN IRON GATE. It serves as a reminder that even after two decades, Stafford and his collaborators remain dedicated to the "ONE ROCK" of foundational reggae, even as they swirl it with avant-garde textures. For the label, the album is a definitive entry that aligns with a long-standing mission of supporting artists who honor the roots while refusing to be limited by them.
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