Groundation and The Abyssinians in Hawaii December 2013

Hawaii is reggae country, and a beautiful relationship is in the making next weekend when the Abyssinians arrive for the first time, alongside Groundation, for three shows.

No reggae fan who witnesses the power of an Abyssinians concert ever forgets it. Their sound combines commonsense wisdom, mystical poetry and majestic roots grooves to create one of the most distinctive sounds in reggae. Comfortable in their role as elders, their stage performance holds nothing back, and their devotion to Rasta is no less apparent than their musical excellence. Maybe I’m a sucker for the minor keys, but, for me, the Abyssinians rank in the top five reggae bands of all time.

I’m always amazed at how many fans Groundation has found in Hawaii, because our sound features a different side of reggae than many local bands do. Atypical of Hawaiian reggae, too is Satta Massagana, the reggae anthem by The Abyssinians. This horn-heavy song explores exotic minor harmonies and prophetic scripture. But if Hawaiians like Groundation, I want them to know The Abyssinians are one of our biggest influences in reggae.

The Abyssinians on tour with Groundation in Brazil.

That’s why I want every reggae fan to see this amazing group of Jamaican musicians. True reggae fans of Hawaii will be telling their grandchildren about the time they heard The Abyssians in concert, that’s my promise.

Also, after last night’s show in Santa Cruz we wanted to thank California Grown, clothiers and haberdashery for the Cali coast. Thanks for keeping us warm on tour, and making us feel welcome whenever we come through.

The bus got a sticker, how come I didn’t get a sticker?