MYSTAFYA
Grass Valley, California, United States | INDIE
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Mystafya’s most Recent Reviews-----
Don’t miss Mystafya
Carol Feineman, Entertainment Editor, The Union carolf@theunion.com
December 16, 2006
Mystafya members definitely felt the love at their amazing CD release party last Saturday at Cooper’s. The full-house party, with standing-room only, was in honor of the roots reggae group’s just-released second CD, “Run Free.”
As soon as Mystafya played the first notes at the party, the group’s hometown fans exuberantly crowded the Nevada City nightclub’s dance floor and didn’t leave until the band was finished for the night.
After seeing the group perform last week, it’s easy to see why the band has received unsolicited offers by reggae promoters for two tours in Germany and another in France. Their first CD “Come to Jam” was a favorite on the internet worldwide.
Simply put, Mystafya sounds as good as the groups it has opened for, including Third World, Steel Pulse and Toots & The Maytals.
That’s a bold statement to make — and not one said lightly — about this Nevada County group which has so far maintained a laid-back presence since forming in 1997.
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- The Union
Creation Steppin’ Radio’s review of Mystafya’s “Run Free”
DJ Bahilman 2/28/06
Mystafya has become one of northern California's pre-eminent reggae bands since the release of their first album (Come To Jam) in 1997. Their most recent release- "Run Free"- sees the band ready to emerge from their local reggae scene (and cult following among European mp3 communities) as a major name nationally, and even internationally. "Run Free" is their most polished effort, highlighting a unique style of roots consciousness, socially-relevant themes and a DJ-flavored edge. That's right, this band effectively mixes chanting and chatting, and it's an enjoyable thing to hear, as it adapts well to both meditative listening and to energized skanking.
Franklin "Big Frank" Williams and Jamal Walker provide the varying vocal styles, the players of instruments are solid, and the use of their own sound man Mikey "Mixologist" Jones adds a dubby/ heavy roots element that ties it all together. The themes to the lyrics are of course both spiritual and conscious, but touch upon some less-than-familiar topics. "Todays Politican" ("treating the symptoms, ignoring the cause") is but one example. "Big Banks" takes a rootsman's sword to financial institutions, and "Ruby Valley" uses a vibrant riddim to espouse conservation. It's companion dub is a stand-out. "Edge on the Edge" shows that the band can pick up the tempo effectively and add some great guitar riffs too. There's plenty of other good listens here, including a unique take on Dennis Brown's "Promised Land." Overall, this album shows that the band is ready for bigger things- major festivals anyone? You can find "Run Free" at CDBaby via Bahilman's CD store link.
DJ Bahilman’s Creation Steppin’ Radio is the internets largest reggae stream with over 2 million listeners, most commonly accessed through Live365.com, the worlds most popular internet radio!
- DJ Bahilman’s Creation Steppin’ Radio
Discography
1999 - Come To Jam - Cops in the house #2 reggae download for 2000, MP3.com
2004 - Run Free - #21 in top 30 reggae releases of 2004, Creation-Steppin.com Radio is the web’s largest streaming reggae station with over 2 million listeners, accessed most often by Live365.com, the worlds most popular internet radio. Now on sky.fm
LiveFya - 2010 - Mystafya at their best...LIVE!
MYSTAFYA has been sticking closer to home in order to keep the original members intact, given that, they continue to always sell out every venue they play.
Many tracks from these recordings are played and used by TV, Radio, and internet worldwide. For recent video clips please go to youtube and list MYSTAFYA
Photos
Bio
Northern California's powerhouse reggae band! Continuing to carry the message of love, unity and wisdom through their music, Mystafya captivates audiences and leaves them wanting more – every time! Since forming in 97’, Mystafya has shared the stage with reggae greats such as Bunny Wailer, Steel Pulse, Third World and “the Teacher” Toots and the Maytals (7 times) to name a few! Mystafya has also had the pleasure of performing at Reggae on the Lake, Renegade Festivals, Music that Matters headliner, and the Monterey Bay Reggae Fest, as well as other Northern Cali hot spots. Mystafya achieved mp3.com’s #3 reggae download and rated #21 out of the top 30 reggae albums of 2004 (bahilman/sky.fm). Still one of the internet’s top reggae/dub bands for the past seven years, Mystafya is carving their own niche in reggae history.
Members of the group take pride in their own roots:
Born in St. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands, Franklin “Big Frank” Williams’ lyrics speak of his experiences growing up in and experiencing, first-hand, the ghettos and shanty towns of the third world, and his growth and vision as he became “Rasta conscious.”
Jamal Walker, a native of Northern California, speaks of Godliness and equality through his lyrics. Growing up, Jamal became heavily involved in Gospel music and spirituality, while staying tuned in to the hip-hop and reggae worlds.
Tom "Fyamon" Earwood , a modern rootsman and long-time reggae musician, Tom delivers the heavy- steady bass lines expected in reggae music. Through his roots bass style, he successfully brings the music a real “reggae vibe”.
Scott “DrummieX” Wilson has been marked as the number one roots-rock drummer in California. His knowledge and skill shows as he captures the original rockers sound. Scott’s beats keep audiences on their feet for hours.
Kimbuck Williams, a true rocker, comes from a diverse background of music. His leads and rhythms add soul and fire to the music, allowing Mystafya a unique opportunity in today’s reggae market.
Original member, Saxaphonist Doug Davies has reunited with the band to add his accomplished horn lines and melody that first put Mystafya on the worldwide musical map!
Coming from the soundlabs of Lucusfilms, Frank Maranzino, An incredible musician & composer in his own right, Frank brings great musical understanding as well as a great riddem!
Finally, our secret weapon!! Mixologist Mike, the envy of soundmen who hear his mixes. When not on tour, Mixologist Mike can be seen & heard at Reggae on the River, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Earthdance Festival, Renegade Festivals, and with many other professional shows coming through Northern California.
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