Album Notes

MJ Greenmountain embodies the essence of modern World Music, singing in multiple languages, organically fusing ancient and modern melodic and rhythmic roots elements with real instruments and vocal layering, all while syncronizing dub-style effects in a fresh, Medicinal Global sound. His original songs and adaptations include flavors primarily from Africa, Brasil, India, the Middle-East and the Caribbean. MJ’s undeniably powerful, yet humble stage presence has been recognized World wide as a potent lead singer, percussionist, and central founding member of the popular World Fusion band Hamsa Lila, who\'s album \"Gathering One\" hit the tops of the CMJ (US) and Chart Attack (Canada) World Music charts in 2004, earning the band international acclaim for it\'s ground-breaking sounds and hypnotic, memorable performances. Hamsa Lila is recognized as a pioneer in the field of World Fusion, and MJ’s role in the creation of the band‘s sound was not only crucial, but trend-setting.

Establishing himself now with \'MJ\', the brand new self-produced debut 2008 solo release, one can hear threads of traditional Yoruban, Gnawan, Native American and Rastafarian musics weaving through captivating, conscious vocals and polyrhythmic arrangements, revealing his years of World Music studies and colorfully reflecting his multi-continental travels and tribal connections. Ever pointing his compass towards the Divine, he is both an inspired solo performer and a powerful band leader - where his ‘Fela-esque’ qualities can be witnessed. Whether it‘s a yoga studio, dance club, or festival, MJ’s music vibrates hearts and bodies in a Ceremony of Life. His new release has already begun to catch the attention of renowned DJ’s like Cheb-i-sabah, who’s been spinning an original track (#5 ) from the album, with many mistaking it as Cheb-i’s own remix - a telltale sign of MJ’s honed producing skills as well as his musical talents.

Artistically, MJ\'s makes use of an array of instrument choices and sounds. Rhythm guitar, kalimbas, various drums, flutes, percussion, keyboard, exotic textures, looping pedal, dub-delays, and laptop spin together amid trance-inducing vocal lines, seamlessly forming a new kind of World Fusion: one in which the sacred, the tribal, the melodic, and the modern alchemize into a potent Shamanic blend. Receiving direct transmissions from Elders and Masters, assisting in healing cerermonies, and learning sacred chants and ancient tribal traditions has made MJ\'s music authentically grounded, simple yet expansive, giving the songs depth and impact. Crowds celebrate and participate as he guides them on a mystical journey around the World and ultimately deep inside themselves - the essential part of Healing Music - thus bringing both listener and musician to a higher place.

MJ has been honored to record and/or perform with notable artists such as Ozomatli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jai Uttal, Babatunde Olatunji, Azam Ali, Hassan Hakmoun, DJ Cheb-I-Sabah, Haale, Ras Michael, String Cheese Incident, STS9, Yossi Fine, Toots Jr., Krishna Das, Steve Kimmock, Rena Jones, Ganga Giri, Shimshai, Sambada, Joann Shenendoah, MC Yogi, Prince Diabate, Albino, Tina Malia, and many many others.

Composing and producing original music scores for independent feature films and documentaries has helped to perfect MJ’s producing skills, which he has begun to offer other artists as well.

MJ currently resides in the Santa Cruz mountains of Northern California.

DISCOGRAPHY - (see website for expanded list)

\'MJ\' (2008) - MJ Greenmountain debut solo album
\'Alianca\' (2008) - Shimshai (multi-song guest vocalist & percussionist)
\'Live in Santa Cruz\' (2007) - Hamsa Lila
\'Gathering the Tribe\' (2006) - Interchill Compilation/Hamsa Lila
\'Jaya Baghavan\' (2006) - Tina Malia & Shimshai
\'Soul Remembrance\' (2005) - Manaka
\'Gathering One\' (2004) - Hamsa Lila
\'Skin\' (2003) - Hamsa Lila
\'Raw Live Treats 1 & 2\' (2002) - Hamsa Lila