Music
Press
. . . Songs such as “Now You’ve Grown” and “Babylon System” reveal Ras Ric’s vocal maturity. The instrumental “Voices In The Wind” hints at Ras Ric’s true strength, a surprise that his live audience at the State of the Union enjoyed; an acute performance on lead guitar comparable to Earnest Ranglin.
Mystic Vibrations’ projects have all been independently orchestrated. Their label, album, and current tour are all made possible by their own conviction to achieving their objectives . . . The band is adamant about establishing solid roots and spreading the word to all people, no matter where. The word being, “One Love”.
- Rastafari Today
“Many in attendance made sixty-minute-plus treks to the club, rewarded also, with an amazing opening band from Columbia, South Carolina (by the of Westmoreland JA and Belize)…Mystic Vibrations. Their many dates in neighboring Richmond attest to their popularity, the first chords onstage inciting the dance floor…making you wonder if there would be energy left for the headliners!…massive inna di dancehall!
- Reggae Vibrations WTJU
Greetings,
…I must say that it’s a great roots reggae album, one of the best reggae albums ever made out of the USA. This band did the “Busy Street” Album with a lot of love and respect for reggae music, every dj haffi support them and give Mystic Vibrations airplay with will help them move forward.
Peace
Tal Grubstein AKA Dr. Reggae - Reggae Power 106.9
If you're like me, you may have run out looking for the individual albums from the artists on the world reggae showcase R.A.W. 2000, some successfully -- like Reggae Cowboys, Isaac Haile Selassie, Jerri Jheto, Root Awakening, and Tonca -- some not so successfully -- Mystic Vibrations included. Busy Street was originally released in 1999, but distribution appears to have been limited, and in 2004 it was remixed and re-released, with an added dub version of the title track that was included on R.A.W. 2000. And thank goodness, because this album needs to be heard. It's quite simply a modern classic, a gorgeous testament to the power of music. Although Mystic Vibrations (not to be confused with Mystic Revealers) is now based in South Carolina, the group -- specifically, lead singer Charlton "Ras Ric" Williams -- has roots in Jamaica, and they meld the sound of both countries perfectly. There is a soulful, mildly pop appeal to their brand of roots and lovers rock that should draw in both reggae diehards and newcomers alike. Listening to Busy Street, I can't help but feel like I'm hearing an early '80s (complete with occasional synth elements) classic set from the Wailing Souls, Twinkle Brothers, or Gladiators. (I could even compare their sound to perhaps an English-language Gondwana.) Every song is heartfelt and irresistible, ranging from the pining love songs "Now You've Grown" and "Still on My Mind" to the blazing cultural roots of "Babylon System" and "Tell Me." Do yourself a favor and check it out at cdbaby.com
- Reggae Reviews.com
Discography
Stop Dis War - soon to be released Peter Tosh Tribute Album (2005) Roots Of Dub Funk 4 - Compilation World Reggae By Tanty Records UK (2004) Busy Street (remixed) (2003) Mystic Vibrations Live At Finlay Park (2002) R.A.W. 2000 - Compilation by Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (2000) Busy Street (1998) People Get Ready (1995)
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Bio
Mystic Vibrations is comprised of members from Jamaica and the USA. They are known for their uplifting stage performances and original music composition which holds steadfast to the roots of reggae music. Their songs contain conscious, heartfelt lyrics relating to love, unity, life’s daily struggles, and the revelation of truth. Mystic Vibrations originated in Jamaica and was brought to the United States when Ric Williams (guitar and lead vocals), moved from Westmoreland, JA to Columbia, SC in 1993 where he met Andrew Whittaker (drums), Frank "Moses" Mitchell (bass), and Sista Janae (keyboards and backing vocals). Ric Williams's successful leadership can be credited to a lifetime of musical experience including many years backing some of Jamaica’s top reggae acts, such as The Itals, JC Lodge, U-Roy, Culture, Delroy Wilson, Big Youth, Judy Mowatt, Mighty Diamonds, Charlie Chaplain, and Yellowman. Williams’ dynamic lead guitar and vocals combined with Sista Janae’s orchestrated keyboard style and vocal harmonies, Flemming’s solid drum executions, Johnson’s smooth basslines are an electrifying combination of soul and talent. Mystic Vibrations' first recording, People Get Ready was released in 1993. It features songs such as, "Mi Woman", whose upbeat tempo is topped with praises of Ital living and womanly support while "People Get Ready" beckons the physical, spiritual and mental repatriation of mankind. Their last album, Busy Street, contains hard-hitting tracks such as "Busy Street", "Babylon System" and "Tell Me", which all aim to raise awareness about the inequalities created by capitalism. "Still On My Mind" is a ballad expressing true love that transcends time and space. Busy Street allows one to journey from the perils of the inner city to the joy and beauty of love and nature. They are now working on a third album entitled, Stop Dis War. Mystic Vibrations averages 230 shows a year. They perform at festivals, night clubs, weddings, colleges and an assortment of private parties. Due to their punctuality, courteousness, and ability to enliven their audiences, they play regularly at many of these venues. For over a decade, Mystic Vibrations' exceptional reputation, uplifting lyrics and high energy performances have allotted them a broad fan base that includes people of all ages, races, classes and nationalities. Their music will continue to be a powerful force in spreading the message of roots reggae.
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