Delivering Positive Spiritual Vibes Through Traditional Roots Reggae
By Esther Sanchez
Although the roots of reggae music are dug deep into the island sands of the Caribbean, in recent years they have begun to bloom and flourish right here in the So-Cal desert. Founded in 2012, CVMA nominees, Irie Junctions are a prime example of roots reggae done right. Current members consist of valley residents, “King” Raymond (vocals/lyricist), Danny Garcia (bass), Alex A. (guitar), Saul Ibarra (drums) and Juan De Lara Jr. (keys). The talented group of young musicians are true students of both the spiritual and social/political tradition of roots reggae and continuously strive to maintain their legitimacy in representing the genre in all of its historic aspects. While doing so, they aim to reach the hearts of listeners with rhythmic vibes that are both soulful and uplifting.
King Raymond: “I met Saul (drummer) first through some neighbors I had been playing music with. Reggae music was pretty much our focus from the beginning. As we got connected with the other guys there were some changes over the years, but the goal has always been to make great reggae music that lifts people’s spirits.”
“Roots reggae” is a subgenre of reggae that deals with the everyday lives and aspirations of the artists concerned, including the spiritual side and the honoring of God. It also is identified with the life of the rural poor and those suffering in ghettos. Lyrical themes may include racial pride, cultural unity, social issues, resistance to government and overcoming oppression.
Guitarist Alex A, AKA “Alex Santana” is a newer addition to the group although he has been acquainted with his I.J. bandmates for several years, playing with them from time to time. Well-known throughout the Coachella Valley for his diverse and highly-refined skills on guitar, Alex is a former member of fellow desert reggae group Tribe-O, is a current member of a few other local bands such as the genre-bending act, Techno Hillbillies and even performs solo gigs. Alex: “I like being part of a group with a relevant voice. Raymond has written some songs that are catchy with well-executed grooves that are socially conscious in theme. One of the songs we do, “Gunshot,” deals with violence and civil unrest and I think it does a good job of addressing so much of what we are seeing in the news every day.”
As nice as it is for Irie Junction to have well-penned lyrics and a positive message, the quality of their musicality is not to be understated. King Raymond is a strong vocalist with a rich tone that deceptively comes across as much more seasoned than what one might expect from a 23 year old and most of the guys are multi-instrumentalists who have spent the bulk of their young lives refining their skills. Drummer, Saul Ibarra started banging on stuff with sticks at the age of 3. That having not gone unnoticed by his musician father, he remembers performing with his father’s band as early as age 4. Danny Garcia, whose grandfather and great-grandfather were also bass players, began performing in bands at age 11 and the rest of the band have all been serious about music since their early teens or younger.
In addition to being stocked with guys who have been honing their skills as musicians from a ripe age, Irie Junctions has a couple of musical legacies in rank. Garcia’s grandfather was a member of the famous 1960s Spanish rock-band, Los Moonlights, and keyboard player, Juan De Lara is the nephew of Quino McWhinney, frontman of the wildly successful reggae band, Big Mountain. With that kind of history, it is no wonder that Irie Junction is such a technically well-rounded and artistically sound group.
Garcia: “This is what I have been doing for most of my life. Making music is mostly all I know. As long as people like what we are doing we are going to keep doing it.”
Check out Irie Junctions live on Feb, 12th at The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert.
www.facebook.com/iriejunctionsmusic
www.youtube.com/user/iriejunctionsmusic
