We Free Again (Young Tree, 2004)

*GUEST REVIEW*
I first heard of Groundation through this site -- as I did with many other reggae artists. I thought that it seemed like a good album to get and I would have to admit that seeing Don Carlos's name on the cover also lured me to get the album. I found Hebron Gate to be an astonishing work of roots reggae. I was really impressed that this band could play so very good. Groundation are a very talented group of musicians and their level of music is at the same heights as Bob Marley. All the tracks on this album are great. All the musicians in this recording are very gifted; one example would be Marcus Urani. He manages to deliver some great keyboard pieces, like the beginning part of "Babylon Rule Em." Harrison Stafford is also as great singer, songwriter and rhythm guitar player. Stafford's singing comes out marvelous with the music. I don't know how to explain it really, but when you hear Groundation's music it feels like it hits your soul in a good way. The album also introduced me to the Congos, and the tracks with the Congos and Don Carlos were great also. What was brilliant was how Harrison, the Congos and Don Carlos switched of while singing lead vocals on t he last two tracks. Groundation manages to make excellent songs that last for 6 or 7 minutes on Hebron Gate. Groundation is certainly one of the greatest things to happen in roots reggae.

- Julio