Young Tree
Groundation
1999Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette
Artist profile · 07/07/2026
Groundation
Founded in 1998 in Rohnert Park, California, Groundation blends roots reggae with jazz elements. The band members met at Sonoma State University while studying jazz. They remain active with a catalog of 10 vinyl records.
- 9
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 358k
- Last.fm listeners
- 7M
- Last.fm plays
About
Groundation, A modern roots reggae group with jazz influences from Northern California.
10 vinyl releases including limited editions and reissues; collectible French pressings and new US editions.
Groundation is a US reggae band established in 1998, originating from Northern California’s Sonoma area. Their style fuses traditional roots reggae with jazz harmonies, reflecting the members’ jazz education. They have released a steady stream of albums including live recordings and dub versions, issued across labels such as Young Tree Records, Soulbeats Records, and Baco Records. Key figures include guitarist and vocalist Harrison Stafford and keyboardist Marcus Urani. Their vinyl releases often feature limited editions and reissues across France, the US, and Europe.
The band’s records vary from studio albums focusing on both vocal and dub styles to live session albums, with vinyl pressings widely distributed and tracked for collectors.
Discography
Groundation discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Upon the Bridge
Groundation
2006Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Here I Am
Groundation
2009Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette
We Dub Again
Groundation
2011Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
A Miracle
Groundation
2014Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Live at the Belly Up
Groundation
2014Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Jah Jah Know - 02Babylon Rule Dem
- 03Picture On The Wall
- 04
PraisingWe Free Again · 2004 - 05
Weeping PiratesThe Next Generation Live · 2020 - 06Silver Tongue Show
- 07Ruling Dub
- 08Weak Heart
Essentials
3 Groundation albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 2012A seminal studio album recorded by Groundation, issued in France by Soulbeats Records with limited edition and reissue variants on vinyl.
10 tracksLimited editionReissueRoots Reggae style
#2 · 2018Released on Baco Records, this album presents a mix of roots reggae with a focus on melodic vocals and instrumentation, essential for Groundation’s modern era.
11 tracksOriginal pressingRoots ReggaeReggae
#3 · 2018A dub-focused album released in France, delivering instrumental and mixed dub versions that complement their vocal recordings and highlight the production depth.
11 tracksDub styleOriginal pressingProduced by Baco Records
Go further
Artists similar to Groundation
Artists who share part of Groundation's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Groundation
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
01Formation
Groundation formed in 1998
Groundation formed in Rohnert Park, California in 1998 by Harrison Stafford (guitar/vocals), Marcus Urani (keys/melodica), and Ryan Newman (bass), who met studying jazz at Sonoma State University.
02Line-Up Change
Drummer changes in 2001 and 2008
In December 2001, Paul Spina replaced original drummer James Stafford. After a long US tour, Paul Spina left in 2008 and was succeeded by Te Kanawa Haereiti, who had played in the 2008 "Tribute to Bob Marley" tour.
03Live Album
The Next Generation Live released in 2020
The 2020 live album "The Next Generation Live" was issued on Baco Records with LP pressings released mainly in the UK & Europe, featuring 10 tracks performed live including "One But Ten" and "Warrior Blues."
04Recent Release
"Dub Rock" album released 2024 in the US
"Dub Rock," a dub reggae album issued in 2024 by Young Tree Records on vinyl, includes 9 tracks such as "Ancient From" and "Vision For The Future." This is one of Groundation's newest studio albums with vinyl pressings available.
The band was formed by jazz musicians who met at Sonoma State University, blending roots reggae with jazz sensibilities.— Origin story
Groundation vinyl discography
See allNew The Next Generation LIVE
Groundation
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2020-06-05BACO RECORDSFrom$40.63
1 offerThe Next Generation
Groundation
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2018-09-21BACO RECORDSFrom$43.38
1 offer
Groundation CDs
See allEach One Teach One Coffret Digipack Edition Deluxe
Groundation
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2018-03-16Baco RecordsBuilding an ark
Groundation
Reggae internationalReggae/Ragga
2012-03-20Soulbeats RecordsFrom$19.89
1 offer
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When and where was Groundation formed?
Groundation was formed in 1998 in Rohnert Park, California by musicians studying jazz at Sonoma State University.
What vinyl albums by Groundation are available?
Groundation has 10 vinyl records available including 'Building An Ark', 'The Next Generation', and 'Dub Rock'. Many are limited editions or reissues.
What genres does Groundation play?
The band's style primarily blends roots reggae with dub and jazz influences.
Which label releases Groundation vinyl?
Groundation's vinyl albums are released on labels like Young Tree Records, Soulbeats Records, and Baco Records.
Are there notable vinyl pressings from France?
Yes, many of Groundation's key albums such as 'Each One Dub One' and 'The Next Generation' have original pressings issued in France by Baco Records.
How does Groundation's music incorporate jazz?
The founding members studied jazz, which influences their melodic, harmonic, and instrumental approach in their reggae sound.
What are top tracks by Groundation on vinyl?
Popular tracks include 'Jah Jah Know', 'Babylon Rule Dem' and 'Picture On The Wall', well suited for vinyl listening.
Where can Groundation vinyl collectors find new releases?
New vinyl releases often appear on labels such as Soulbeats and Young Tree Records with online availability worldwide.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 07/07/2026