Music
Press
Sol Horizon's Benefit for "Composting the Empire"
by E. "Doc" Smith‚ Jun. 07‚ 2004
"Sol Horizon rocks!", proclaimed Craig Litwin, Sebastopol City Supervisor, and former Mayor. "I love this band, and my younger brother!" His brother is of course, Michael Litwin, the lead singer of Sebastopol's homegrown Sol Horizon. At a recent benefit with activist and organizer Erik Ohlsen to raise money for "Reclaiming the Commons", and other organizations protesting against the Biotech conference, here in San Francisco this week, Litwin and his popular group performed in Sebastopol with their now trademark "roots-rock" reggae. Sol Horizon is comprised of a 7 piece combo, ably driven by lead guitarist Clayton Hunt, and percussionist Peter van Gorder, and rounded out with bassist Frank Preuss, drummer Colin Menzies, rhythm guitarist Alexei Brown and keyboardist Jeremy Cooper.
Remarkably, this group's music is entirely original, and they have resisted taking the easy route of playing classic reggae covers, a road traveled by so many other roots/rock/reggae groups. Performing the music of say, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, or Jimmy Cliff, one might imagine, would be very tempting. Even more amazing, is that their music truly stands on it's own merits!
Litwin's voice is surprisingly good, and his reggae-flavored approach is honest and energetic. Jumping around the stage, and passionately inciting the audience to dance, (which they did!), was both natural and infectious, and his humility was refreshing to say the least. The maturity exhibited by guitarist Hunt was also quite impressive considering his young age. Hunt deftly moved in and out of their material, mixing classic rock soloing with a measured ease. His forays with fellow guitarist Brown, and the textures of his compatriot, keyboardist Cooper were also quite solid.
The rest of the group, were aided by the rhythmic beats of the workman-like drumming of Menzies, the funky grooves of bassist Preuss, and rounded out by the prestidigitations of percussionist, Peter van Gorder. Like one of my favorite percussionists, David van Tiegham, van Gorder was very enjoyable to watch. His continuous smile, and his skill on a variety of wood blocks, congas, talking drums, cymbals and electronics, gave Sol Horizon a truly cosmic, yet primal groove. The audience, as well as myself, particularly enjoyed watching the way van Gorder's hands moved around his congas, gesturing with one palm forward, and then alternating that motion with both hands.
At one point during the show, Sol Horizon was joined on stage by Ohlsen, and the activist next turned hip-hop poet, as he exhorted the crowd to "Compost the Empire!" Litwin then accompanied van Gorder on percussion, and Hunt took the opportunity to indulge the crowd in some old-fashioned shredding. Litwin reclaimed center stage, and implored the crowd to help the causes that brought them all there tonight, and thanked them profusely. They earnestly responded, with even of more of their number joining in dancing, carrying signage to the stage, singing along, and just plain groovin'!
Generally, I cringe whenever I see a bunch of white kids doing the "reggae-thang', but Sol Horizon breaks all the rules, all the stereotypes, and reminds us, that we are all connected on this planet. Their music is genuine, and their messages are clear. As Litwin sang in one of the night's best songs, "Truth it lies within your eyes, truth it lies within your heart, truth it lies within your soul". I hope the world is listening! Sol Horizon can be found at http://solhorizon.com
E. "Doc" Smith is a musician and recording engineer who has worked with the likes of Brian Eno, Madonna, Warren Zevon, Mickey Hart, Jimmy Cliff, and John Mayall among others. He is also the inventor of the musical instrument, the Drummstick. He can be reached at drummstick@earthlink.net - "Doc" Smith‚ Jun. 07‚ 2004
Sol Horizon's Benefit for "Composting the Empire"
by E. "Doc" Smith‚ Jun. 07‚ 2004
"Sol Horizon rocks!", proclaimed Craig Litwin, Sebastopol City Supervisor, and former Mayor. "I love this band, and my younger brother!" His brother is of course, Michael Litwin, the lead singer of Sebastopol's homegrown Sol Horizon. At a recent benefit with activist and organizer Erik Ohlsen to raise money for "Reclaiming the Commons", and other organizations protesting against the Biotech conference, here in San Francisco this week, Litwin and his popular group performed in Sebastopol with their now trademark "roots-rock" reggae. Sol Horizon is comprised of a 7 piece combo, ably driven by lead guitarist Clayton Hunt, and percussionist Peter van Gorder, and rounded out with bassist Frank Preuss, drummer Colin Menzies, rhythm guitarist Alexei Brown and keyboardist Jeremy Cooper.
Remarkably, this group's music is entirely original, and they have resisted taking the easy route of playing classic reggae covers, a road traveled by so many other roots/rock/reggae groups. Performing the music of say, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, or Jimmy Cliff, one might imagine, would be very tempting. Even more amazing, is that their music truly stands on it's own merits!
Litwin's voice is surprisingly good, and his reggae-flavored approach is honest and energetic. Jumping around the stage, and passionately inciting the audience to dance, (which they did!), was both natural and infectious, and his humility was refreshing to say the least. The maturity exhibited by guitarist Hunt was also quite impressive considering his young age. Hunt deftly moved in and out of their material, mixing classic rock soloing with a measured ease. His forays with fellow guitarist Brown, and the textures of his compatriot, keyboardist Cooper were also quite solid.
The rest of the group, were aided by the rhythmic beats of the workman-like drumming of Menzies, the funky grooves of bassist Preuss, and rounded out by the prestidigitations of percussionist, Peter van Gorder. Like one of my favorite percussionists, David van Tiegham, van Gorder was very enjoyable to watch. His continuous smile, and his skill on a variety of wood blocks, congas, talking drums, cymbals and electronics, gave Sol Horizon a truly cosmic, yet primal groove. The audience, as well as myself, particularly enjoyed watching the way van Gorder's hands moved around his congas, gesturing with one palm forward, and then alternating that motion with both hands.
At one point during the show, Sol Horizon was joined on stage by Ohlsen, and the activist next turned hip-hop poet, as he exhorted the crowd to "Compost the Empire!" Litwin then accompanied van Gorder on percussion, and Hunt took the opportunity to indulge the crowd in some old-fashioned shredding. Litwin reclaimed center stage, and implored the crowd to help the causes that brought them all there tonight, and thanked them profusely. They earnestly responded, with even of more of their number joining in dancing, carrying signage to the stage, singing along, and just plain groovin'!
Generally, I cringe whenever I see a bunch of white kids doing the "reggae-thang', but Sol Horizon breaks all the rules, all the stereotypes, and reminds us, that we are all connected on this planet. Their music is genuine, and their messages are clear. As Litwin sang in one of the night's best songs, "Truth it lies within your eyes, truth it lies within your heart, truth it lies within your soul". I hope the world is listening! Sol Horizon can be found at http://solhorizon.com
E. "Doc" Smith is a musician and recording engineer who has worked with the likes of Brian Eno, Madonna, Warren Zevon, Mickey Hart, Jimmy Cliff, and John Mayall among others. He is also the inventor of the musical instrument, the Drummstick. He can be reached at drummstick@earthlink.net - "Doc" Smith‚ Jun. 07‚ 2004
Discography
1. self titled e.p. ....out of print
2. First Light
Photos
Bio
SOL HORIZON
REGGAE MANIFESTORS OF HIGH VIBRATIONS
Sol Horizon, Sonoma County’s Reggae Manifestors of High Vibrations, has grown and evolved into one of Northern California’s most popular Reggae bands and a most powerful voice for conscious community activism and a sustainable and renewable present. Founded in 2000 by lead singer/lyricist Michael Litwin, Sol Horizon blends high consciousness lyrics and ideals with rocking rhythms, inspired musicianship and infectious energy.
Their 2004 release--titled "First Light"--was very well received in Northern California, featured North Bay hits "Live And Learn" and "Music" and established Sol Horizon as one of the steadiest and strongest draws in Northern California's fertile Reggae Music scene. Their highly anticipated next release is titled "Party Revolution" and is scheduled for release later in 2008. Party Revolution will feature British Reggae Superstar Pato Banton as a special guest.
Sol Horizon draws inspiration for their high vibration music and lyrics from their work in their everyday lives. Each member is involved with Organic Farming, Intentional Community, Permaculture, Yoga, Computer Programming, Systems Thinking, inventing new technology and/or other forms of high frequency and innovative self-exploration, self-expression, community activism and sharing.
Musically, Sol Horizon shines from top to bottom and back up again. The rhythm section--drummer/percussionist Peter Van Gorder, bassist Colin Menzies and guitarist Alexei Brown--lay the foundation with the sweet and solid grooves. Keyboardist Jeremy Cooper blends his technical expertise with the intuitive imaginings of lead guitarist Clayton Hunt as they engage in charming musical conversations and as Jeremy punctuates and supports Hunt's mind-bending guitar solos. Lead singer Litwin keeps the energy moving with his stage presence and antics as the lyrics and melody float and bounce through the rhythms.
Sol has recently added the beautiful Gina Marie as a backing vocalist. Her powerful voice adds another element to Sol Horizon’s potent sound and allows Michael Litwin’s lead vocals to be solidly and harmonically backed by Gina and guitarist Alexei Brown.
Sol Horizon has toured California and Hawaii as the backing band for Pato Banton. They have performed at SolFest in Hopland, California, Whole Earth Festival in Davis, California, EarthDance in Laytonville, California, and they have headlined at the legendary Inn Of The Beginning in Cotati, California. They perform every year at The Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California, and they regularly pack the house at The Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa. They have opened for Eek-A-Mouse, The Skatalites, Lost At Last and The JGB Band.
Sol Horizon delivers the goods with sweet grooves, high vibration lyrics and irresistibly danceable beats. Their energy will draw you in and give you the chance to see and feel the light in your soul and to be the truth behind your own eyes.
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