December 1

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House of Shem

By sonicden

December 1, 2014

Hip-Hop / Rap, Jazz, Reggae, RnB / Soul, Roots

About House of Shem:

House of Shem hail from Aotearoa, New Zealand and like many legendary reggae groups this band is built around the classic harmony trio format. At the helm is Carl Perkins, a man with over thirty years experience writing and playing reggae music. As a former member of Herbs, Mana and the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band amongst others, Carl’s musical credentials are impeccable.

Joining him up front are two of his sons, Te Omeka and Isaiah who not only provide harmonies but both of whom also write, take turns at singing lead and play keyboards as well. It is this blood link and family bond that renders the sound of their combined voices as something really extraordinary. Each of the three has their own distinct song writing style and voice, effectively giving the band three different lead singers. The harmonies are sublime and the precision of their ensemble performance is phenomenal.

Credit must also go to the rhythm section – certainly one of the tightest you are ever likely to hear down in the South Pacific Aotearoa New Zealand, with Kaya Webster who is a “one-drop” prodigy, having played drums for the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band since he was of primary school age and Francis Harawira, a heavy-duty bassist also formerly of the T.T.I. Band and Token Village. Rounding out the sound is the exceptionally gifted guitarist Roy Venkataraman – a seasoned veteran himself who toured and played with The Wailers band for a number of years and the soul infused horns of Chris Nielson on saxophone.

The House of Shem live experience is an unforgettable occasion – a rare mixture of power and beauty. Whether you are Rasta or raver, this band’s incredible tightness, heavenly harmonies, conscious lyrics and blend of traditional and contemporary reggae styles will leave you spellbound.

 

 

Albums

‘Keep Rising’ ©2008

‘Island Vibration’ ©2011

House Of Shem‘Harmony’ ©2013

Track listing: Take You There; Fighting for Freedom; She’s Mine; Hard Road (feat. Big Mountain); Harmony; For You and for Me (feat. DJ Sito); Jah Know; Crazy (feat. DJ Sito); Be Prepared; Let It Be; Calling; Stay Blessed.

 

Listen, watch, follow

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Buy music and merch

http://itunes.apple.com/nz/artist/house-of-shem/id146765699

 

Reviews

http://www.thepier.org/house-of-shems-new-album-harmony/

http://www.amplifier.co.nz/review/44382/house-of-shem-keep-rising.html

 

Photo gallery

 

Contact

info@houseofshem.com

 

sonicden

About the author

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