Sharing a strong and mutual love for classic Jamaican inspired reggae music, the Lions have become one of the premier musical ensembles in the genre. In late 2006, what seemed to be a series of impromptu jam sessions of experimental Caribbean music transformed itself to create a Los Angeles based reggae supergroup. The members, hailing from different musical generations, engineer a unique musical style that blends various forms of hip-hop and reggae with electrifying dub rhythms. Although the group’s membership has been subject to significant change, its music has overcome the membership fluidity and has consistently remained as an explosive and alluring form of artistic expression.
The core group membership includes Todd Simon (trumpet and flugelhorn), Dan Ubick (guitar), Sergio Ross (guitar), David Wilder (bass), Davey Chegwidden (percussion), and finally Dan Hastie (organ, piano, and clavinet). With this all-star lineup of musicians, in 2006 the group produced their album Jungle Struttin’, subsequently distributed by Ubiquity Records in 2008. The album featured special guest appearances by Joel Bowers (tenor sax), David Ralicke (trombone), Noelle Scaggs (vocals), Black Shakespeare as well as contributions from the members of Hepcat. Signing to the underground hip-hop label Stones Throw Records, the group has recently released the critically album, This Generation. As the assembly embarks on a tour promoting its album, they stopped by the World Cafe. Listen to this sessions and see what all the buzz is about concerning this soulful, yet musically exhilarating group of talented musicians.
Session Setlist:
ROLL IT ‘ROUND
PICTURE ON THE WALL
LET'S GO OUT TONIGHT
THIS GENERATION
Recent Release: This Generation
Release Date: February, 2013
Label: Stones Throw Records
