Soul Majestic’s musical recipe is not one whipped up by corporate interests for mass production of a cheap product to force feed the population, but one handed down from ancestors and elders, and developed through the process of sharing. This particular version emerged when three talented young musicians, Eric Iverson, David Lyons and Brian Jarvis connected in the fertile ground nestled between California’s coast and Santa Barbara’s majestic mountain range. Enter Oriana Sanders, a soulful songstress from Los Angeles. With a background in Soul and R&B, a stint with another Cali based reggae project, and a resume that included recording on two movie soundtracks, Oriana was the perfect compliment to Eric’s colorful and complex music writing style and David’s technical and intricate rock infused guitar licks.
Supported by a collection of quality and influential roots musicians including the explosive and skillful Jayme Arredondo on drums, steady rolling bass from Thomas "Toads" Marcelino, texture and vibes from Seth Theodore on keys, and at times a third vocalist and live horns, Soul Majestic is poised to take on the world. Sizzling musicianship, crowd-hyping dub breaks, occasional acoustic ballads, and fresh, inspiring lyrics delivered via alternating male/female lead vocals from Eric-I and Oriana continue to whet the appetite of a wide array of music enthusiasts.
Their self-titled debut album, Soul Majestic, released in 2002, was followed up in 2004 with a full band exodus to the birthplace of reggae and origin of the musical flavor, the island of Jamaica. While there, they recorded their second album, entitled Until That Day, at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston, enlisting the involvement of some of their heroes like Sly and Robbie and Anthony B.
Another tasty treat from Soul Majestic, their third and highly anticipated album entitled Better World will be released in spring 2009, featuring 13 incredible and diverse tracks including collaborations with Sly and Robbie, Tony Moses and Trinidad’s Queen Omega, as well as production and a handful of rhythms by Million 7 Sound. Planning to tour extensively in support of the album, the band’s mission to raise awareness of global interconnectedness, and how people’s actions impact one another and the earth, has moved to the forefront. The band has played several benefit shows in support of organizations promoting peace, environmental education, and the compassionate use of medical marijuana, and plans future work with organizations that are aligned with their mission and world-views. Watch for them on the road in their 15-passenger Bio-diesel tour van gathering their tribe for the great feast.
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