It is said that if you don't know your past, you don't know your future; well Groundation knows its past, and they're stepping into the future. While capturing the essence of true roots reggae, internationally renowned, Groundation aims to take the genre to a new height by blending elements of both jazz and dub in their sound.

In 1998 three jazz students at Sonoma State University (Northern California) came together to form Groundation. They are Harrison Stafford (lead vocal,
guitar), Marcus Urani (keyboards) and Ryan Newman (bass). Groundation is a name that many people talk about. Considered the best group in the current reggae scene, these Californian virtuosos have come back with a 5th album of rare musical intensity: UPON THE BRIDGE. “More than ever, we find in their music, these bridges and these jazzy harmonies combined with great big dubs, everything orchestrated by this voice always oh so poignant of Harrison Stafford.” Openmag - oct.2006 Beyond the music there is an obvious message that Groundation attempts to pass on. This universal message; this bridge upon which we find ourselves today materialized through a short story that is slipped in the album’s insert. Groundation is going out to meet the world and is embarking on building bridges.

The name Groundation is a subtle play on words that captures all meanings in regard to this group of musicians. We heard of grounation (meditation
forum) for the first time near the end of the 1940s. Count Ossie of Mystic Revelation of Rastafari invited the youth of the Jamaican ghettos to gather
for nyabinghi—African rhythm—sessions. These improvisational jams would last all night without interruption. The root of Groundation is ground, a synonym of earth, giving thanks to Mother Earth that we are here and alive. The name 'Groundation' came from trying to get everyone on the same level so people can talk and feel free to educate each other and learn from each other, and not come from a hierarchy or some type of leveled class situation.

The group’s pillar, singer, and composer, is a highly inspired person, Harrison Stafford. Stafford, born into reggae—his parents, members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel— traveled extensively in Africa and in Jamaica at a young age. Inspired by the Rastafarian spirit, Stafford’s way of life and way of seeing the world reflects Rastafarian culture. Through his lyrics and Groundation’s music, he delivers a message for everyone, a message of spirituality, pacifism and audacity.

Authenticity and wisdom earned him the respect of his elders: Jamaicans, Americans, and English alike. Groundation’s albums have featured vocals from artists such as: Cédric Myton, Don Carlos, Apple Gabriel, Ras Michael, Marcia Higgs, and Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace. Featured on the newest album, Upon the Bridge, are Pablo Moses and I Jahman. This new album takes on the weight of the world and deals with the feeling everyone has deep inside of them: the need to act. We are on the bridge and no longer really on the firm ground and we have to reach the other bank.

Representative of nyabinghi sessions Groundation’s music is centered on collective
improvisation, sound and curiosity. Music as a means of communication offers to them a
common language. Groundation moves forward immersed in music, an integral part of their life, using concepts that you cannot find anywhere else. Above all, they are jazz musicians. Their training does not cease to evolve, and their musical theory is rich and allows them to play complex arrangements with the utmost precision. Groundation does not deliberately try to mix just jazz into reggae. In continual discovery of themselves, their goal is to create new and original music. A big part of the composition and musical orchestration comes back to Marcus Urani. From writing to arranging and further, to the studio recording, he manages it all with rigor and virtuosity. His work can be found all the way to the mastering of the albums, when he collaborates with Jim Fox, the legendary sound engineer of Fox Studio in Washington.

Nyabinghi spirit can also be found in Groundation’s attitude. In spite of their success and
their growing popularity Groundation’s spirit stays the same. Humble and simple they seek to meet their fans after shows and are attentive to everyone.