Artist page · 07/07/2026

Groundation

Rohnert ParkFormed in 1998Reggae/Ragga9 vinyl albums
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.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
9Albums on Vinyles.com
148Discogs releases
358kLast.fm listeners

About

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, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Candle BurningYoung Tree Records · 2025
2025
Candle Burning
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Dub RockYoung Tree Records · 2024
2024
Dub Rock
File, FLAC, Album, Stereo
Studio
Dreaming From An Iron GateEasy Star Records · 2023
2023
Dreaming From An Iron Gate
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
One RockEasy Star Records · 2022
2022
One Rock
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Next Generation LiveBaco Records · 2020
2020
The Next Generation Live
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Each One Dub OneBaco Records · 2018
2018
Each One Dub One
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Next GenerationBaco Records · 2018
2018
The Next Generation
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
A MiracleSoulbeats Records · 2014
2014
A Miracle
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Building An ArkSoulbeats Records · 2012
2012
Building An Ark
CD, Album
Studio
Here I AmNaïve · 2009
2009
Here I Am
CD, Album
Studio
Upon The BridgeYoung Tree Records · 2006
2006
Upon The Bridge
CD, Album
Studio
Dub WarsYoung Tree Records · 2005
2005
Dub Wars
CD, Album
Studio
We Free AgainYoung Tree Records · 2004
2004
We Free Again
CD, Album
Studio
Hebron GateYoung Tree Records · 2002
2002
Hebron Gate
CD, Album
Studio
Young TreeYoung Tree Records · 1999
1999
Young Tree
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
We Dub AgainSoulbeats Records ·
We Dub Again
Vinyl, LP, Mini-Album
Studio

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Groundation's career.

01
Jah Jah Know
·
02
Babylon Rule Dem
·
03
Picture On The Wall
·
04
Praising
Praising
We Free Again · 2004
05
Weeping Pirates
Weeping Pirates
The Next Generation Live · 2020
06
Silver Tongue Show
·
07
Ruling Dub
·
08
Weak Heart
·

The essentials

The 3 Groundation albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2012
LP, Limited Edition, Reissue
Building An Ark

A 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
Discover the album
#2 · 2018
LP, Album
The Next Generation

Released 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
Discover the album
#3 · 2018
LP, Album
Each One Dub One

A 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
Discover the album

Go further

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Artists who share part of Groundation's musical DNA.

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Danakil
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Max Romeo
Inna De Yard
Inna De Yard
Israel Vibration
Israel Vibration
The Gladiators
Alpha Blondy
Alpha Blondy
Tiken Jah Fakoly
Tiken Jah Fakoly

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Groundation

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

The band was formed by jazz musicians who met at Sonoma State University, blending roots reggae with jazz sensibilities.
— Origin story
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.

1998Rohnert Park
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.

2008United States
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."

2020UK & Europe
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.

2024US

Records by Groundation

See all
Candle Burning - Front Cover Candle Burning - Front Cover

Candle Burning

Mutabaruka
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO RECORDS
View details
Rising Tide - Front Cover

Rising Tide

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
SOULBEATS
View details
Building An Ark - Front Cover

Building An Ark

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
SOULBEATS
View details
Dub Rock - Front Cover Dub Rock - Front Cover

Dub Rock

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Young Tree Records
View details
Hebron Gate - Front Cover Hebron Gate - Front Cover

Hebron Gate

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Young Tree Records
From $43.93 1 offer
We Free Again - Front Cover We Free Again - Front Cover

We Free Again

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Young Tree Records
View details
One rock - Front Cover

One rock

The Congos
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO RECORDS
View details
BACO Tape vol.4 - Front Cover

BACO Tape vol.4

Yaniss Odua
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO Music
View details
The Next Generation LIVE - Front Cover The Next Generation LIVE - Back Cover

The Next Generation LIVE

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO RECORDS
From $40.63 1 offer
The Next Generation - Front Cover

The Next Generation

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO RECORDS
View details
Hebron Gate - Front Cover

Hebron Gate

Groundation
Roots Reggae Reggae/Ragga
Soulbeats
View details
EACH ONE DUB ONE - Front Cover EACH ONE DUB ONE - Front Cover

EACH ONE DUB ONE

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO RECORDS
View details
EACH ONE TEACH ONE - Front Cover EACH ONE TEACH ONE - Front Cover

EACH ONE TEACH ONE

Groundation
International Reggae Reggae/Ragga
BACO RECORDS
View details

Recommended accessories

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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 page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 07/07/2026