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Ziggy Marley to Release EP and Begin North American Tour

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Ziggy Marley SongsBeing the son of Bob Marley is not to live in the great man’s shadow by any means. Ziggy Marley has carved out a successful career for himself that is impressive by any yardstick. The Emmy winner, six-time Grammy winner, singer, songwriter and producer has produced twelve critically acclaimed albums.

Ziggy has also leveraged his success for philanthropic purposes, founding a charity called Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment to help children in Jamaica and Ethiopia, and is a supporter and honorary member of Little Kids Rock, an organization in the USA that provides musical instruments and free lessons to children in public schools.

His considerable fan base will be pleased to hear that he is now planning to release a four-track EP called Lighthouse on September 30th. This release will be exclusively on iTunes and will feature rare versions of tracks from his highly acclaimed fifth studio album Fly Rasta which was released earlier this year.  It will include live acoustic versions of “I Get Up,” and “I Don’t Want To Live On Mars,” as well as a live full band concert recording of “Lighthouse.”  The studio version of “Lighthouse,” also included in the 4 track set, will reach radio on September 29th.

Ziggy will spend the fall playing a string of Canadian concerts beginning September 29th in Calgary, and will have a US tour starting October 11th in Hampton Beach, NH.  Other major city stops on this US tour will include Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL and Dallas, TX. 

Tickets for most dates are on sale now at ticketmaster.com and further information about Ziggy Marley songs are available at ziggymarley.com. 


Sol Seed, Gaining Powerful Momentum In the North West Music Scene

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Oregon Reggae BandSince transplanting to Eugene from Southern Oregon just over two years ago, Oregon’s own Reggae Fusion all-stars, Sol Seed, have swiftly gained powerful momentum in the North West music scene, creating a diverse and loyal fan base all over California and the North West. They were awarded Eugene WOW Hall Awards “Best New Act” 2011 and “Favorite Local Band” 2012, in addition to “Eugene’s Best Band 2012-2013” by Eugene Weekly readers. Dominating the NW summer festival circuit including Oregon Country Fair, North West World Reggae Festival and Jefferson State Hemp Expo, Sol Seed has also shared the stage with national acts such as Ziggy Marley, Slightly Stoopid, The Expendables, Pacific Dub, Nappy Roots, Heavyweight Dub Champion and many more, all in just 2 years of playing together.

After a number of small EP releases, the group released their first full-length album “Grown Deep” in September 2012, which immediately gained air-time on a number of radio stations all over the West Coast as well as the Hawaiian islands. Their third and most comprehensive studio album is currently in the making, with a release date TBA.

The group capitalizes on impressive live performances and a genuine connection to the most important thing as a musician: Their fans. Fostering a healthy and active relationship with the fans in their community and abroad is capitol in their message and vibe.

Recently leaving their day jobs and fully committing to the lifestyle of a working musician has been an exciting a life-altering step for all members. Sol Seed is not just a band, it is a way of life. It is a brotherhood. A mission. This makes it easy for everyone to be on the same page and really succeed on an internal level.

 

Sol Seed brings a distinct sound combining the best elements of Reggae, Rock, Hip Hop and Psychedelic Jam to form a positive musical fusion that is uniquely their own. With conscious, thought-provoking lyrics, infectious reggae-laden grooves and high-energy, impressive live performances, Sol Seed creates an unforgettable live-music experience for people of all ages to enjoy.

This Oregon based band got their start in early 2010 when songwriters Michael Lennon and Michael Sorensen joined hands with fellow friend and musician Benny Pezzano through a Southern Oregon open mic. An undeniable synergy was all but tangible as their creative forces coalesced, and they immediately began to grow a diverse collection of original music. They soon joined with Native American Award winning guitarist, Kenny Sequoia Lewis, and in October 2010, transplanted to Eugene to pursue life and music, where soon after they linked up with MC, Didgeridoo player and percussionist Sky Guasco, and finally Saxophone player Graeme Pletscher in late 2011. With 6 members, each member boasting very different influences and skill sets, Sol Seeds depth and volume of sound increased exponentially. With an infectious enthusiasm for life and an unequivocal knack to communicate its beauty, the group shares their message of perspectivism and unconditional love through uplifting music rooted in the soul. Sol Seed has certainly dug their roots.

Sol Seed will be touring through California and Arizona September-October 2013, Washington/Montana and Idaho in November and they will return to the Hawaiian Islands in January. Keep an eye out for a heavy touring schedule all over North America over the next few years. Coming to a city near you! Find more info: www.solseedmusic.com

Oregon Reggae Musicians


In His Own Words, Cool Dub DJ and Sound

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Cool Dub Reggae

Dub Poet and DJ

Well now..My roots started in church, where I was asked to lead a song called Didn’t it Rain, a song about Noah’s Ark. Our piano player was a blind lady named Mrs. Witherspoon and she told me I had a great voice for singing. I then took up the drum in school and played it in school. After High school I joined the army and was shipped to Germany where I heard Reggae Music for the first time (Bob Marley’s “Coming in from the Cold). I also had a Tank driver Named Pickering that was also a bass player, he showed me some methods and I took up the Harmonica to pass the time and work on melodies. My cousin Prentice was an avid blues harmonica player and he taught me some new tricks of bending notes to add resonance to the music.

After the army I worked for the U.S. postal service and I would play my harmonica at work, to pass the time. I went to the Reggae on the River in California for several years; I worked there and met Michael Franti, Jr. Gong  and Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer and a host of other reggae artist including Eek A Mouse.

I purchased a keyboard and sound equipment to continue my musical ambitions.

I was eventually asked by a group of friends from Napa, California to form a reggae group called “The Irie League”. We played a few shows until the band broke up, because of technicalities. I was sent to jail for a fraud charge and spent 83 days there, where I wrote hundreds of songs relating to the Bible. After my house was broken into and my ganja and sound equipment stolen, I had to purchase more and move to Cool California. I continued to play music and compose until the Summer 2005 when I was asked to form another band called Cool Dub, with several musicians from the bay area. We performed in the Gold country and Sacramento until 2010 when we disbanded. The others were not into the music as I was and it seemd that I was putting triple the effort of them. I have been on stage with several groups that asked me to join them, but I just want to go solo and provide sound for bands. I now do sound and DJ for Ras Rebel and Rebel soldiers and any other band that requires it. I continue to compose and put out solo sounds as Cool Dub/DJ and Sound. You can find me on Facebook, reverbnation, Soundcloud, youtube,and fandalism  under the name Cool Dub or Cool Dub Band. A self-taught Multi-instrumnetalist and songwriter/composer Inspired By the words and music of Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Gregory Issacs, Israel Vibration, Dennis Brown,Midnite,Culture, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and a host of other Reggae Greats.

I have taught myself, Keyboard,harmonica,guitar, and I also play several percussive instruments as well.

It would definitely be nice to find a band willing to back me, so I could concentrate on singing, but until then, I guess I’m on my own..