Rising Lion
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Rising Lion

Orlando, Florida, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1993

Orlando, Florida, United States
Established on Jan, 1993
Band World Reggae

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Reggae and rock combine in band Rising Lion By Mark Schurr Published: Wednesday, September 29, 2010"

The four members of Rising Lion energized the Zion crowd in Springdale and thronged the grassy area in front of the stage with dancers on Sept. 25.

Rising Lion has successfully married machinery with authentic instruments. The machinery is the high tech synthetic sounds of the keyboards, and the authentic instruments are the drums, guitar and bass.

This band is the Rush of reggae. Neil Peart's 1980s lyrics ring true to this very day; "All this machinery making modern music, and still be open hearted."

Each member of this band is clearly gifted in the art of playing music. Keyboardist Jimi Fari sang and guitarist Danny Dred smiled in the middle of the set while wailing on the black and whites. Fari also showcased his vocal prowess and took over lead vocals as Dred exited the jam session briefly.

Bass player Magot Gaany, or "bassy", as Gaany would say, was a driving force in getting the audience to their feet. His compelling bass playing metonymically sucked people off their butts and motioned them to the dance floor.

The exceptional guitar playing of Danny Dred, combined with the splendid drumming of Don Belton, have skillfully combined rock ‘n' roll with reggae.

Rising Lion has a wide repertoire of originals and covers. They enjoy the studio as well as playing on the road.

"I love to go in the studio and create, and perform for the people," said drummer Don Belton. "When you can get a reaction from the crowd from what you have created, that's a wonderful feeling, its something special."

This band is indeed special. Each member of the band is fun to talk to, and nothing but a pleasure to be around. Their professionalism on stage reflects the longevity of Rising Lion. Even the bandmates do not know how long they have been together.

"We've been together since we don't know when," Dred said with a laugh. "We can't remember the beginning and there is no end."

You do not have to be a fan of reggae music to enjoy Rising Lion. Their music is for everyone who enjoys being happy.

Dred said: "Reggae is for everyone. You don't have to wear certain cloths or do a certain dance. Do what you want to do, it's God's music."

Rising Lion represent peace, harmony and truth. If you get a chance to see this band, do so!

- Dixie Sun: the voice of Dixie state College of Utah


"Rising Lion"

VAIL - If there's anything we all need more of in our daily routine, it's positive vibes.

And that's the specialty plate served up from New York City's reggae king, Rising Lion, who will play a free gig at 8150 Monday.

And you can't get more roots reggae than Danny Dred.

Dred, the songwriter behind Rising Lion, has been performing since 1992. Rising Lion has released two full-length albums, "New Day" and "Don't Lose Yourself," and a third will be on its way this winter.

Rising Lion's tunes, characteristically full of simplicity and good cheer, take on a new fold in the upcoming release. Dred's mother died in 2000. His grandmother, uncle and a series of other loved ones followed in close succession, and Dred's coping process has involved a cathartic sequence of songwriting endeavors.

"You have to deal with things from a positive outlook," said Dred. "You have to open your mind to some positive thoughts. This album is about some introspective things I went through, and about me coming to terms with my own mortality. It's part of life. You never get over things like that. You just have to deal with it. Writing songs is my way of dealing with it."

Rising Lion's dynamic stage presence has incorporated the new lineup of tunes and delivers the same strain of reggae ambiance that it always has.

"The bass is the foundation on stage; it's what carries reggae music," said Rising Lion bass player Denfield Fellix. "You've got to get involved and bring in the flavor. People react to what they see you do. Personally, no matter what kind of negativity is going on around me, I bring my positive vibes onto the stage."

Rising Lion plays mostly original root reggae tunes. However, the band's been known to throw a few covers into its live gigs.

"We go all along the white style," said keyboardist John Mark. "We'll cover Bob Dylan and Van Morrison along with our originals. We do reggae (renditions). We'll throw in some Allman Brothers and even some Elton John. We try to stay diverse. It's not just the same stuff as everyone else."

With positive energy permeating the atmosphere at Rising Lion shows, the music could get carried away, if it weren't for drummer Linden Aaron keeping the beat in check.

"I feed off of the crowd's energy," he said. "I'm the time keeper. If they get hyped, I get hyped. But, you want to control it. The atmosphere for the Rising Lion show is more cultural because we have a lot of cultural music. It's roots music. We don't sing a lot of love songs, we don't sing a lot of 'Shot up this guy last week.' Everything is positive vibes."

After throwing out positive vibes for 10 years, one might think that Rising Lion has reached a comfortable musical plateau. But, as Dred himself will tell you, the sound is still evolving.

"People can expect to step into an arena where there's a lot of conscious and positive vibes going on," he said. "It's a lot of conscious and positive lyrics over dance music. We try to blaze our own trail with our kind of music. Within the reggae boat we're rowing, there's some hip hop, some R&B ... Rising Lion might put a Hendrix solo into a reggae tune. Every time we play, someone tries to back something up."

Rising Lion performs at 10 p.m. Monday at 8150 in Vail Village.


Staff Writer Shauna Farnell can be reached at 949-0555, ext. 610, or sfarnell@vaildaily.com.


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- Vail Daily


"Harvest For The World"

Harvest for the world
Lion's share: Orlando-based reggae champ Rising Lion has seen his hard work pay off
By Mark Padgett
Published 9/27/01 in Orlando Weekly
Lion's din
The continued success of reggae artist Rising Lion proves that you don't have to strike a deal with the major-label devil to share your art with the world. Since 1992, the Orlando-born-and- raised singer-songwriter has been making a living writing, recording and performing his musical missives. His headstrong indie course, fueled by a worldwide-distribution deal, has pushed his CD sales beyond the 30,000 mark.

"There's a lot of politics, man, in the world, in business," says Rising Lion, 36. "When you put out an independent release, however hard you work to make it successful, that's how much success you'll get. It's the series of battles and tribulations that makes you who you are."

"Don't Lose Yourself," released Aug. 21 on RPH Productions, is Lion's latest -- a mostly roots-reggae effort sprinkled with hip-hop, pop and rock flavoring. The production and musicianship on the CD are top-notch, but Rising Lion really wants listeners to delve into his heady subject matter.

"My aim is to make socially conscious music that's positive and that people can dance to," Lion says. Music "that goes over the boundaries, as far as socio-economic class and cultural lines. ... I try to bring a lot of consciousness to things, like the landmine situation," he says, pointing to "Landmine" from "Don't Lose Yourself." He also talks up taboo topics such the legalization of cannabis.

"The big corporations don't want you to know that you can get cleaner, more efficient-burning fuel from an acre of hemp than you can from petroleum."

Amen. And despite the touchy subject matter, Rising Lion keeps things on the happier, curse-free end of the spectrum. He says, "What the world needs more now than anything is love and more positive vibes. We have enough negative things that are trying to tear us apart."

That includes the attack on the World Trade Center in New York, Lion's second home, where he records his accessible Island grooves.

"It's a big reminder to us how grave an issue that is," he says, having been in NYC when the WTC was bombed in 1993. "People are dealing with the issues of loss. I guess I have a lot of stuff to write about for the next record."

To date, Rising Lion has completed three full-lengths ("Rise Up," "New Day" and the new one), appeared on a handful of compilations ("Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide 2000," "Reggae Platinum") and had a cut featured on the soundtrack for "Sex, Drugs and Democracy," a DVD retrospective on Amsterdam's lax drug laws and the resulting effects. He's also a road warrior, having played more than 100 shows with industry heavyweights Yellowman, The Wailers, Michael Rose, Ziggy Marley, Lauryn Hill, Santana, Burning Spear and Inner Circle.

When he's not on the road, Rising Lion keeps the local clubs hopping with Lion II, a stripped-down trio that plays mostly covers and few, if any, of his originals. The threesome's next outing is Oct. 5 and 6 at Toucan Willie's in Oviedo. No doubt, Rising Lion's star should rise significantly this year, given the acceptance of crossover reggae acts Shaggy, Beanie Man and Super Cat. (He's the one who helped Sugar Ray "Fly" to the top of the charts.)



- Orlando Weekly


"Music News"

MUSIC NEWS
by Jennifer Gelband
Published in Boise Weekly on October 6, 2004
Dancehall Reggae
Rising Lion


A-Weem-A-Way. The lion sleeps no more. These days the lion is awake, and his fierce roar sounds more like dancehall reggae than doo-wop. Who could sleep through Rising Lion’s soul-lifting music? The guy’s reputation for delivering roots-infused good vibes is rock solid thanks to 10 years of touring and two full-length albums, New Day and Don’t Lose Yourself. My prediction: His cuss word-free messages of love and hope are going to catch on, challenging current skanky, dance music.

- Boise Weekly


"Rising Lion/ New Day"

Published in Ink 19

Rising Lion

New Day

Ruff Stuff

In the true spirit of positive vibration comes Rising Lion, with music and a message that, if carried out, could make the world better for all of us.

I have found New Day to be one of the few releases that can be played day or night, regardless of mood or circumstance, and still bring a feeling of peace and happiness. There is no magical sound within, yet the musicians have crafted a beautiful group of songs which Rising Lion, aka Danny Dred, accompanies wonderfully. He has assembled a talented group of background vocalists and horn section to further enhance his group. I do not have much background on RL or his label Ruff Stuff, except I believe this to be his debut CD. I am eager to find out what other talent Ruff Stuff may be promoting. They certainly have a gem in New Day!

Not all of the tracks are "Three Little Birds" poppy -- RL has a few that are pure reggae: "Rastaman," "Lyah Woman," "Lion Band Sound," and "Who Feel" simply sound great and make ya move! He includes dubbed up versions of the latter two songs. The remaining tracks are pure and uplifting. I mean, there's not much left to say with titles like "Rise Up," "Peace N' Love," "Hope Life Treats You Well," etc. With all the crap in our society bombarding one's life at any given time, it's refreshing to have an escape, a temporary sanctuary, in music like this.

I hope Rising Lion will find you, and find you well. Let Jah guide. http://www.risinglion.com



--Phillip - Ink 19


"Rising Lion"

Rising Lion

"Rise up" with Rising Lion, one of New York City's hottest and liveliest dance party reggae groups. Rising Lion combines melodic harmonies and crushing funky grooves blazing the trial of roots, rock reggae from the East Coast all the way to Helena, Montana. Rising Lion adds an exciting and energetic dimension of reggae sound to their music. "Don't Lose Yourself" is their most recent record. Lead singer, Danny Dred's soulful, honest lyrics with move you. Catch the vibe with Rising Lion.

- Mt. Helena Music Festival


"Rising Lion Family Gathering"

Chicago Reagge.com

Chicago - April 20, 2002

Rising Lion: Family Gathering, by Issa Kellly

When I look at the inside cover of Rising Lion’s current release ‘Don’t Lose Yourself’ (Ruff Stuff/RPH Productions 2001) I come to a deeper overstanding of founder Danny Dread’s words to me, “We play a little of everything, because we play for everyone.” The picture is of the Rising Lion family and spans every shade of the human spectrum and reminds me of my family. Their faces are full of happiness, love, acceptance and self-confidence (a core character trait deemed necessary for a happy life by Danny Dread).

On the cover Danny Dread is standing in the middle of high-tech Babylon with his acoustic guitar, which could be a metaphor for their music. Rising Lion’s signature is a blending of different styles and a deep love of all music that results in an explosion of sound that is anchored in the complex simplicity of reggae.

Papa Danny Dread, lead vocals and guitar, is at the head of the Rising Lion table for tonight’s family gathering at The Wild Hare. To his right is Jack Stein on Keyboards. Jack ably fills the shoes of MC, backing vocals and, at times, lead vocals. To his left is mellow and smooth moving bassist John Meadows. Covering his back and making my skirt flap from the breeze created by the bass drum speaker at my knees is Gil Whylly.

During the second half the band struggled through engineering problems, like reoccurring feedback that could have loosened some fillings. The lead vocals could have been pulled up more, as well. Songs from ‘Don’t Lose Yourself’ were featured. ‘Landmine’ (first released on R.A.W. 2000 Compilation) was one of my favorites. It’s compelling lyrics: “What’s this I see? Another military atrocity. Another Babylon political philosophy. Their landmine a military strategy. I say murder in the first degree.....A silent soldier in the sand......It’s another hypocrisy.......30,000 die.....Africa, Bosnia and South East Asia just to name a few.” ‘House of Dread’ with John’s slick bass line and Gil’s riding high hat made it into my top five for the night. With the crowd dwindling and the clock hitting three the Nyabingi influenced ‘Jah Keep Us’ closed the show.

I stayed to speak with the band and was greeted with happy hearts and tired eyes. When I asked where they were playing tomorrow they said with big smiles, “The pool. We have a day off!” The band broke into a sweat and a reasoning session while loading the van and gave me the opportunity to see the respect they have for each other, their love for the message and the much needed humor that can make a long road tour seem short.“You don’t have to love this, but please respect it. A fraction of the truth, so you can’t reject it.” are the lyrics from the title track ‘Don’t Lose Yourself.’ Yes Idren, big respect. One love.





This article is livicated to Pam ‘Motby’ Meadows (no relation to John). Pam was a livicated reggae supporter from Austin, Texas. As the photographer and one of the webmasters for www.flamingocantina.com and webmaster for www.chindog.com she shared herself, her vision and love with the world. She passed on to Zion, with her two children Lacy and Brady, in an automobile accident in Austin the night of this show. She was a fine wordsmith, who I can only hope to emulate. Her wit, humor, photographer’s eye and love for nature and humanity will be missed on this earth. Respect and peace Motby, thank you for your inspiration.

Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! - Luke 10:23



- ChicagoReggae.com


"Rising Lion"

Published in the Vail Daily

Kimberly Nicoletti
February 22, 2004


BRECKENRIDGE - Rising Lion extends his influence in the jungle of reggae by roaring onto stage with a progressive sound.

"Our music is not afraid to be different," said guitarist and lead vocalist Rising Lion, aka Danny Dred. "We use whatever we need to get the sounds and the vibes we're trying to get, whether it's blues, jazz, rock, distortion guitar or a hip-hop beat. Reggae's the vehicle, but within the vehicle there are all these genres that come out."

Dred divides his time between New York and Florida, playing with Jah Daniel on keyboards, Don Belton on drums and Ras Dave on bass.

Rising Lion alternates between more strict roots and an upbeat style that incorporates ska, dancehall, dub, rhythm-and-blues and whatever genre contributes to the sound. Dred's main influences include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix.

But more important than the range of styles Rising Lion incorporates is the message behind the beat.

"We're always writing conscious tunes and positive lyrics about social issues," Dred said. "I see reggae as very spiritual music. It brings a lot of socioeconomic categories - as well as cultures - together. Everyone's dancing and feeling the vibes without any fighting or disagreeing. We try to bring music people need to hear and issues people need to be aware of."

His debut album in 1998, "New Day," infused hip-hop and reggae with positive lyrics, and "Don't Lose Yourself," released in 2001, featured socially conscious lyrics and roots-reggae.

Last winter, he took a break from his usual touring schedule. The time off made him think about the importance of using music for a positive cause.

His next album, planned for release this year, will have a more introspective feel.

Dred lost his mother and grandmother recently, which brought up issues of bereavement and mortality. One of the songs, "I Am Going," talks about going to a better place after death, and "Time Is Marching On" is about bereavement. "I See the Light" shows how a person can change his perspective on life.

"(This album) came from a more experienced place," he said.

Rising Lion plays tonight starting about 10 p.m. at Sherpa & Yeti's in Breckenridge.

- Summit Daily News/ Breckenridge


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Biography

Rising Lion is one of the best known pioneering US based roots reggae artists in America which started his rise to prominence in New York in 1992 and is now based in Florida.

R L is signed to Conscious Mind Records and will be available for acoustic (where he plays a wide range of music) or full band shows with the Rising Lion band. He is an amazing artist / musician and can accommodate whatever type of situation that might be needed.
Here is a link to Rising Lion on Youtube:
R L on Youtube .

He is a veteran touring and recording artist with a remarkable and innovative mix of Roots Reggae, R&B/Soul, Rock and Roll, Blues, Jazz, country and Hip-Hop in his sound. Rising Lion has a reputation for bringing good vibes to every show. His uplifting message, fiery guitar and soul stirring music will make your waist groove and your feet want to dance.

Rising Lion has sold thousands of units of his albums at shows, records stores, and downloads and is on the third and fourth pressings of some of his releases.

The artist has toured the US and abroad for 20 years. The Lion has performed and proven to be a favorite at various festivals and concert series over the years: The Legends of Rasta Reggae tour, The New England Reggae Fest, The Annual Bob Marley Reggae Festival, Mountain Town Stages Concert Series, Golden Gate Park Reggae Festival, and various Live After Five Concert Series around the US to name a few.

As one writer wrote: “Rising Lion rise to brilliance in Springdale, at the Zion Music festival. As dusk faded into night on Saturday, people danced to the memorable music of modern day reggae.
Story:
The members of Rising Lion on Saturday energized the Zion crowd in Springdale, Utah and thronged the grassy area in front of the stage with dancers.

Rising Lion has successfully married machinery with authentic instruments. The machinery is the high tech synthetic sounds of the keyboards, and the authentic instruments are the drums, guitar and bass.

This band is the Rush of reggae. Neil Peart’s 1980 lyrics ring true to this very day; All this machinery making modern music, and still be open hearted. “

With a remarkable mix of Roots Reggae, R&B, Rock, Blues and Hip-Hop in his sound, Rising Lion has a reputation for bringing good vibes to every show. (see setlist tab for a comprehensive list of the band's venue history), the Lion has proven to be a favorite at many prestigious festivals and concert series including: The Legends of Rasta Reggae Tour, The New England Reggae Fest, The Annual Bob Marley Reggae Festival, Mountain Town Stages Concert Series, Golden Gate Park Reggae Festival and several of the Live After Five Concert Series across the nation.

“Feelin Irie” the first single from the upcoming “Changes” album was released on May 18, 2010, on Klem Records, with worldwide distribution by L G N Entertainment Distribution Inc. It can be purchased on I-tunes and various other sites. “Changes” is the fourth R L effort is in the final mixing and mastering stages and scheduled for full-album release in February 2013.

With 3 full length albums available in record stores and on-line with distribution by Navarre Corporation and CD Baby -the highly acclaimed New Day-(1998/Ruff Stuff Records) the sophomore release Don't Lose Yourself -(2001/RPH/Ruff Stuff Records) and American Dread - (2008/Lion Productions). Danny is also featured on a host of compilation albums with well-known artists such as Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, George Clinton, Gov’t Mule, Fats Waller, Lead Belly , Glenn Washington, Frankie Paul , Yami Bolo and many others.

Rising Lion is sponsored by Candy Rocks (H.O.W Inc.) and featured on the new Candy Rocks promotional CD distributed by H.O.W. Inc. The 5 song promo CD will be included in every Candy Rocks package and the newest candy sensation will be available at Spencer gift shops, Rising Lion shows and other outlets worldwide.

Lion Productions
Phone: (407) 739-5456
Email: booking@risinglion.com
Email: james@risinglion.com
Website: www.risinglion.com

Social Sites:
ReverbNation
MySpace
Rising Lion Music Blog
Rising Lion Podcast
Twitter
Roots Rock Cafe
Black Planet
Last.fm
Orkut

Band Members