VIBE NATION has its origins in Roots Reggae. Formed in 2000, the band has evolved to incorporate African, Caribbean, East Indian, and Jahwaiian elements into their sound.
Lead singer/songwriter/rhythm guitar player is Roots man JAHFREE-I. A melodic and captivating vocalist, he founded Cornerstone, San Diego’s first reggae band, in 1981, and was one of the first people in the country to become an adherent of Rastafari and grow dreadlocks. (In fact, he was known for his extremely long dreads until they reached the ground and became too much of a weight on his body and mind. So he began again in 2002.)
In 1989, Jahfree-I became a key player on the Hawaiian Islands. He performed with several immensely popular bands in Hawaii, including Black Market, Jah Ible, Conscious Choice, Jahfire, and Jahloha.
It was also in Hawaii that Jahfree-I began to practice a form of Eastern meditation in conjunction with Rastafari. Reaching farther back into the mists of the mystical past, he found the place where OM and INITY are ONE. He began to bring that vibe into his songwriting as well. He is considered by some to be the founder of the OM RASTAFARI spiritual path.
After his return to the mainland in 1997, Jahfree-I formed a band called Ancient Youth, and produced a CD, Let Jah Love Rule. The band was well received, and the CD was nominated for an Independent Music Award. However, key members relocated and the band was dissolved around the end of '99.
In early 2000, Jahfree-I and his life partner, Susannah T, formed Vibe Nation.
Susannah T, longtime writer and lyricist, started as a backing vocalist and dancer in a band her late husband, Belize's reggae pioneer Jah Lemmo, was putting together in for a US tour. Unfortunately he fell ill with Lou Gehrig's disease before the band had done more than a few local gigs. After his death Susannah decided to continue to pursue music. A vibrant soprano, she is now branching into lead vocals and percussion. She is currently putting music to some of her own lyrics.
Vibe Nation is currently in the studio recording their upcoming CD. The CD will contain favorites from their most recent tour and some brand new material. The response to the new material and new energy has been overwhelmingly positive!
Everyone who hears JahFree-I and Vibe Nation, from die-hard reggae/world beat fans to to people who have never heard reggae before, is sure to have a good time and leave on a positive note.
VIBE NATION CD RELEASE PARTY COMING SOON!
Vibe Nation has performed at the Eugene Concerts in the Park, Saturday Market, The Landmark (Yachats), The Beachcomber (Florence),World Flavors, the WOW Hall, Sam Bond’s, the Wild Duck, the Jungle, the McDonald Theater, Lane County Fair, Cozmic Pizza, the Wetlands, Lane Community College, John Henry’s, and private parties. They have opened for major bands including the Mighty Diamonds, the Meditations, Israel Vibration, and Don Carlos.
For booking info contact:
Jan Brown - Artists in Motion (541) 606-1070
e-mail:[email protected]
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