Lion Vibes featured on Global Rhythm Magazine collector's CD with Michael Franti, Toots and the Maytals, Cubanismo, etc.
01. Luciana Souza “Here It Is" 5:35
02. Michael Franti “Everyone Deserves Music (Live)” 4:40
03. Toots & the Maytals “Johnny Cool Man”3:16
04. Oliver Mtukudzi “Chikara” 5:30
05. Loreena McKennitt “The Mummer’s Dance” 3:53
06. Saba “Jidka” 3:10
07. Stanley Clarke “La Cancion De Sofia” 3:15
08. Riad Abdel-Gawad “Keblah Architectural Niche” 5:53
09. Corey Harris “Heathen Rage” 4:31
10. LION VIBES “Fear Not” 3:57
11. Sebastian Åberg “Horiro Rang” 5:30
12. Karl Latham “Bemsha Swing” 6:02
13. ¡Cubanismo! “El Solar” 8:02
14. Ammasu Akapoma Group “Nana Yago (Children’s Cantata)” 5:13
15. The Afromotive “Yako” 5:39
Lion Vibes with Pato Banton
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Lion Vibes: Colorado's Original Ragga-Funk! "Ragga-funk": reggae/dub/dancehall/world beat. With a live horn section, high energy conscious, dancehall MC, female backup vocals, afro-influenced percussion, and nine players on stage, this band is one of the most completely developed groups in Colorado.
But you've got to dig a little deeper to fully understand and appreciate the vibrant, living sound that projects from this band of devoted artists. Lion Vibes' arresting sound draws on various influences, that work together in a creative act whose final result is solid and cohesive.
Members
Let's take a moment to meet the suspects in question here. Those guilty of delivering hypnotic grooves and utterly absorbing melodies are: Matt "Mr. Vagts" Vagts on tenor sax (hailing from Denver, Colorado); Professor Lynx on lead vocals (Rutland, Vermont); Crystal Vagts (Grand Junction, Colorado); Ryan Gambrell (Denver, Colorado) on bass; Nik Levinsky (Denver) on guitar, Jeff Reiss on drums (Lafayette, Indiana); Jared "JBALL" Fischer on congas (Fruita, Colorado); Jared Napier on trumpet (Green River, Wyoming) and Kendra Kreie on vocals (Grand Junction, Colorado). And let it be known that there is great irony in the name of Grand Junction. You see, that is the geographical place of convergence – it was at Mesa State College in Grand Junction CO that this astounding example of symbiotic cooperation came together. It will be forever be known as the Mecca of musical greatness for Lion Vibes' fans (both current and those who will doubtlessly flock to the beacon of Lion Vibes' remarkable sound in the future).
Feelings
Mr. Vagts says that he looks for music to excite him, energize him, bring him to hard focus, inspire joy, stir intrigue and offer a sense of blessedness. And he expects no less from the music he and his cohorts produce. The high standards he seeks in others' work are the same exacting standards to which Lion Vibes holds itself. "Lion Vibes brings original music, thoughtfully arranged, tastefully delivered and consistent with every performance." Bragging? No, because it's true. Prof. Lynx expresses the musical effusion of his soul more succinctly. "Listen, learn, laugh and love." In other words, passion is required. How else could such sounds as those exhibited by Lion Vibes exist? And within the undeniable sense of fun and joy that ripples through the band's music, there is also to be found a bit of the profound, as well. "Lion Vibes is inspired by the thought of educating people through music, helping people deal with life, entertaining people and having a great time!," exclaims Mr. Vagts. "I make music to uplift God and vanquish pain", proclaims Professor Lynx.
Accomplishments
Lion Vibes' talent has already brought much-deserved acclaim and reward. The group was the winner of the Budweiser/Pinnacle Homes Rock Jam Battle of the Bands in 2006 and has opened for Anthony B, Yellowman, Joseph Hill and Culture, Israel Vibration, Everton Blender, The Itals, The Abyssinians, Sister Carol, Don Carlos, Eek-a-Mouse, The Meditations, Andrew Tosh, Yami Bolo, The Aggrolites, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ratt, Tesla, and John Waitt. Late Summer of of 2007 saw Lion Viibes performing as U.K. and world renowned artist Pato Banton's backing band. Lion Vibes moved to Denver in the Summer of 2007 and it took them until March of 2008 to really get back into the groove. In the midst of all this, the songwriting keeps giving birth. "Lion Vibes is constantly creating new music," says Mr. Vagts. "We are currently composing our third album, "Go Judge Yourself." But don't expect this album to be released until 2009. "We feel this will be our best album to date and are taking our time to make it as close to perfection as possible!" Singles "Don't You" and "Healin' Night" - part of the new album – have been released as limited edition, and have been received very well by fans.
Discography
Lionvibes' debut, "Be Wise," hit the streets in 2004 on EMP. "Lionvibes Live @ Reggae on the Mesa 2005" - a DVD – introduced listeners to the band's live sound in an '05 EMP release. And 2006 witnessed the unleashing of "Full Stride", also on EMP. "Go Judge Yourself: Radio Edit Singles" EMP 2007. Merchandise and more information is available by visiting www.lionvibes.com or www.myspace.com/lionvibes.
Review
"Listen and single out whatever genre influences are to be found in Lion Vibes' music. Whatever the style you pick out for examination, it will prove to be presented in peak form in this living, breathing rush of musical artistry." - A&R Select
