The Southwood Project

Performing on the South Florida music scene since 1997 and having backed such artists as Tinga Stewart, Mother B (Cedella Marley-Booker), Calton Coffee, Sanchez, and Bob Andy; Ras Southwood I (Southwood), steps out on his own to deliver a groove soaked in Roots Reggae, sautéed with live horns, and glazed with a vocal style reminiscent of a Jazz night club. Born in Jamaica, raised in America, and having studied abroad in Southeast Asia and Western Europe, Southwood had come to the overstanding that people all over the world are facing the same socio-economic struggles and that the most effective way to bring the message of peace to the masses, is through music. The son of a minister, Southwood has always been aware of the inconsistencies of the human condition in regards to faith, and man’s inhumanity to man. He believes he is a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for both the prophets to come and the inevitable return and reign of the Almighty God Outside of the Project, Southwood can be found playing Trombone, African Percussion, Didgeridoo and background vocals in the Pimp-Reggae-Funk powerhouse “Sweetbone;” Bass Guitar and Vocals in “Eyenity,” a contemporary Roots/Dancehall band, and Trombone/Flugalhorn in the Jazz group “The Moonshyne Players.”“We have walked in darkness for so long that the slightest glimmer of light makes us uncomfortable. Well there is a greater light coming and if we are not encouraged to seek it, we will be doomed to continue our lives of stumbling and falling. Truth works in a similar way.” -Southwood