Soul Majestic was formed in the late 1990’s by lead singer and songwriter Eric Iverson and guitarist David Lyons, who, after moving to Santa Cruz from their native Santa Barbara, joined forces with singer Oriana Sanders and percussionist Brian Jarvis. Redefining the traditional notion of “California Reggaeâ€, Soul Majestic has since aligned themselves with and been welcomed by the most respected in the business – recording their second album at the legendary Tuff Gong Studio with some of the best artists Jamaica has to offer, touring nationally with world-renowned reggae greats and performing at some of the largest attended festivals in the US including Reggae on the River, Ragga Muffins, Earthdance, and Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, to name just a few. The band has gained further recognition as of late for using the fitting platform of reggae music to promote ecological and humanitarian causes.
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Soul Majestic’s modern take on this time-honored genre fuses Caribbean style reggae rhythms with an array of other influences including rock, hip hop, soul/R&B, world, jazz, and folk. The universal messages of their music incorporate such topics as the protection of our environment, political, social and economic concerns, family, life and love. Over the years Soul Majestic’s sound has been cultivated and shaped by a cast of quality and influential roots musicians, which now includes Jayme Arredondo on drums, Thomas "Toads" Marcelino on bass, Seth Theodore ..s, and at times live horns. The band’s tight musicianship, crowd-hyping dub breaks, occasional acoustic ballads, and fresh lyrics delivered via alternating male/female lead vocals from Eric-I and Oriana, set the stage for a guaranteed uplifting experience.
REGGAE ON THE RIVER 2004
In 2004 Soul Majestic released their second album, ‘Until That Day’, recorded at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong studio in Kingston, Jamaica. Collaborating with big hitters Sly & Robbie on ‘Elder Voice’ and conscious dancehall artist Anthony B. on ‘Stand Up’ (which later instigated a nationwide, fifty-city tour, with Soul Majestic and Anthony B.), Soul Majestic second studio effort had critics, and music fans alike, taking notice. Infused with distinct Jamaican flavorings that could only come from the authentic talents of the all-star crew they recruited, ‘Until that Day’ has launched them onto radio playlists as far off as Guam, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL 2008
The band is currently in the studio completing their highly anticipated third album entitled ‘Better World’ due out Summer 2008, with a preceding 5-song EP available now. The new album features 13 incredible and diverse tracks, with production and a handful of rhythms by Million 7 Sound, as well as collaborations with Sly and Robbie and Tony Moses. With plans to tour extensively in support of the album, the band’s mission to raise awareness of global interconnectedness, and how people’s actions impact one another and the earth, has moved to the forefront. The band has recently played several benefit shows in support of organizations promoting peace, environmental education, compassionate use of medical marijuana, etc. They have also purchased a 15 passenger van for touring which is run on Bio-diesel whenever available. More conscious works to come from Soul Majestic, so check for the band at major summer festivals and on their album release tour. Check the bands web site and myspace tour dates for details.