Diversifyd
San Marcos, California, United States
Music
Press
From Roots to Rocksteady, Dancehall to Dub, reggae, like many genres of music, comes in a variety of flavours….and I dig them all. Admittedly, I was a bit late to the reggae party with my first exposure not coming until my senior year of high school when a friend “made” me listen ‘Ganja Smuggling’ by Eek A Mouse. I was blown away…and I was hooked both simultaneously and instantaneously. Ever since that fateful day, many moons ago, I have sought out and listened to a myriad of reggae artists from around the world. Am I an expert? No. How about an aficionado? Hardly. I am simply a fan who, after countless listening hours, has developed a true love and appreciation for reggae music. After first hearing Diversifyd my initial thought was that these cats could easily hold their own and then some with any of the top acts in the reggae world today. This talented ensemble’s most recent studio effort, Emotional Rollercoaster, boasts smoothe jazz phrasing, soulful R&B vocals all tucked nicely inside a roots wrapper. The strong melodic component evident in Diversifyd’s compositions are brilliantly complimented by warm harmonies that magically dance between the lyrics, creating an even more vibrant auditory experience. The arrangements are solid, the dynamics crisp, the performance choice and the sound production excellent. Jump in and check it out .
- Drago
- Froglix Radio
Discography
Album: Emotional Rollercoast
Year: 2009
Label: Independent
Originals
Silly Love
Run
It Could Be Worse
I'll Never Love Again
Time To Rise
Dance With Me
Champagne Craving
War Of Faith
He's Good
Emotional Rollercoaster
Photos
Bio
Diversifyd is…
feel good music incorporating the sound of Reggae, Jazz, Rock, Soul and Rhythm & Blues. After listening to this unbelievable CD you will no doubt play it over and over again. You’ll be rockin’ steady all night long!
"We're trying to say that you can be unique," quote Diversifyd. "That you can be catchy without being corny,
poppy without being pop, and you can be uplifting without preaching. We want to be a reaction to all emotions."
Chad Makihele, who wrote most of the lyrics and arranged the tracks, plays bass/rhythm guitar and produced the album. Grew up with a background of music ranging from reggae, rock, pop to alternative music. Lieni Makihele arranged most of the vocals and has a background of music from pop, jazz and rhythm & blues. John
Naki plays the drums and also arranged songs on the album. He grew up with island music, choir and oldies. Sione Malimali plays the percussions and has music background in roots reggae and was also a member of the 90’s reggae group called “Mission Irie” where he was known as “Baby Rasta”. Marcus Snapp who plays the lead
guitar, has his background in funk, neo soul, rock and alternative music. Finally we have Jelani Jones who plays the keyboard and has toured with "The Bonedaddys" as well as Jai Vatuk who also plays the keyboard has toured with the world known band "The Enlglish Beat". Mike Mays plays the saxophone and Steve White plays the trumpet. Our newest member, Flo Tintiangco has joined us to enhance our vocals.
This group was finally put together in 2008-09 after going through different band members and performing with different bands for over 8yrs, now coming together with this new feel good music as they call it “Jazzy Reggae with a hint of R&B”
Links
