The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari’s Grounation: An Epochal Musical Journey
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Categorically entrenched as one of the most acclaimed albums of all time, the 50th-anniversary inclusive release of the all-embracing album ‘Grounation’ by The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari is an event not to be overlooked. Released by Soul Jazz Records, the London-based label credited for its various nuanced musical genres, the anniversary edition presents this absolute and essential classic of reggae music in three distinctive formats. Spearheaded by Stuart Baker, a long-established lover of vinyl records, Soul Jazz Records brings the ‘Grounation’ album, a cornerstone in the history of reggae, back to life in an exclusive limited-edition deluxe box set, a triple-vinyl edition, and a grandiose 2 CD version. Each renditions are enhanced by detailed sleevenotes, intriguing photography, meticulous reproduction of original text and art, and an interview with Sam Williams, one of the founding members.
The commingling of the saxophonist Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks’ ‘The Mystics’ and Count Ossie’s ‘African Drums’ birthed the group ‘The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari‘ in the dawn of the 1970s. Like Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Goin’ On’ encapsulates the cultural essence of its time and place, ‘Grounation’ seamlessly intertwines Rastafari consciousness with profound spiritual jazz music, with both entities being at the zenith of their careers following their tenure at the esteemed Studio One Records. To equate Sun Ra’s Arkestra and John Coltrane‘s relevance in the jazz realm, The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari remains the epitome of roots music and Rastafarian ideology in reggae music.
Rooted in Jamaican music scenes of the 1960s, the likes of Tommy McCook, Don Drummond, and Johnny Moore sprouted from the same Alpha Boys School that bred Cedric Brooks. Intersecting this musical genius with the mastery of Count Ossie, who had previously performed for Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie during his notable visit to Jamaica in 1966, the collective’s work is an audacious testament of Jamaica’s tale through music and words. This unique blend epitomizes cultural expression, pushing the boundaries to create an avant-garde and future-focused sound.
In essences, ‘Grounation’ parallels its enriching narrative to the ‘university of reggae,’ as Chris Blackwell of Island records commended several Soul Jazz Records‘ reggae releases. Gilles Peterson from Radio 1 lauds the record label stating they publish the finest compilations and are leading in the reissue game. Massive Attack’s Grant Marshall intended to release Studio One records in England, signaling the remarkable influence this explores reggae music’s history, connections to society, and interrelations of its various genres.
Despite the unfortunate events of the demise of Coxsone Dodd in 2004 and his wife, Norma Dodd, in 2010, Soul Jazz Records continued this journey through their daughter Carol Dodd. This served to keep the label afloat while further solidifying Dodd’s legacy. The relationship facilitated further exploration of reggae and its myriad of influences on society as well as enabled the audience to grab a firm grasp of the music industry’s historical context.
The colossal range of ‘Grounation,’ equaled with the in-depth insight and historical context provided by Soul Jazz Records‘ Stuart Baker, truly encapsulates the brilliant ethos of Soul Jazz Records. With comparisons to relevant artists like Bell, Add N to X, and Sand, ‘Grounation’ stands tall as a monumental work of musical genius, opening our minds to the profound synchronization of roots reggae music and Rastafari consciousness. The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari serves to leave an indelible imprint with their unique and other-worldly albums, and ‘Grounation’ most certainly exemplifies this distinct impressiveness.
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