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Rocksteady@8

“Their musicianship is impeccable, as are the grooves on their Groovewell debut full-length, Rub Up Push Up. Rocksteady has moved beyond the already killer roots-reggae sound of that disc to include ass-inspiring elements of Afro-Cuban and other world beats in their live set. Are you completely disillusioned by reggae cover bands that understand the vibe about as much as you understand forced-ratio algorithms? Here's your antidote. Highly Recommended” – Scott Harrell, Weekly Planet

Rocksteady@8, a supergroup formed in 1999 by members of Magadog, Strangeways and Amandla Tunesmith, specializes in the sound of classic Jamaican music, from late-'60s ska and rocksteady to the brand of roots reggae popular during the '70s.

The eight-piece band, whose members have a special fondness for the recordings helmed by famed Studio One producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and Treasure Island producer Duke Reid, plays originals rooted in that style, and additionally puts their own special spin on favorites from the period.

Rocksteady@8, led by singer-composer Jason Nwagbaraocha and drummer Jonathan Priest, also includes Brian Zink on guitar, bassist Joe Grady, keyboardist John Richardson and two horn players - saxophonist Rob deDios and trumpeter Brian Aulisio.

"It's so refreshing and wonderful to know that a band is so committed and so talented and so able to play and so in love with the roots of rocksteady," says Cheryl Mogul, a WMNF DJ and devotee of Jamaican music. "It's great to hear the music of Sir Coxsone Dodd done so well and so sweetly. It's just a true art form that these guys are doing. It's just wonderful."

The octet has opened for Toots and the Maytals, Justin Hinds, Burning Spear, Eek-A-Mouse and Jimmy Cliff.

For more information: rocksteady@groovewell.com

Upcoming Shows:

• March 25th at Yeoman's Road Pub; Davis Islands, Tampa; 10pm