"Even being the 30th album of the day, I couldn't stop listening to this album and didn't want it to end. Based on a thick reggae groove and incorporating prime elements of rhythm and blues, jazz and even a dash of 70's flavor here and there, "Keep the Wild Free" is a lush, full-bodied album. The album must have been mixed with special attention to harmonics because the sound seems to fill every pocket of hearing, it's full of substance and has absolutely no holes; it's a rich wash of sound that the whole body can relish in. It will have
every sense titillated and every molecule in the body happy and bouncing.Reggae is heartfelt music, spiritual, music of the world. It is music that has a pulse, a rhythm; it is alive with breath. Reggae music creates a place where the body and mind can meet. It is music of consciousness for everyone to share, everyone to recognize. Reggae music feels no boundaries." (cdbaby.com)
Rhythm Culture, an original reggae band, has placed its focus on developing its own signature sound driven by a reggae beat. Their music has been influenced by all people of the Americas, by the traditions that live in the Western Hemisphere from New Orleans to the Caribbean to Brazil. Combining their individual influences of the Caribbean and the Americas, and using a roots reggae foundation, the band infuses blues and jazz into their brand of Reggae music, guaranteed to get even the most reluctant of dancers out of their chairs.
Rhythm Culture plays original music, driven from a focused passion. Most songs are written and arranged by Musical Director, Byron Mercurius of Guyana, South America. Based in Portland, Oregon the band, (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, trombone, trumpet) consists of a core of musicians who represent a variety of age groups and different backgrounds from around the world, connected through their love for this music. These musicians have joined together to create a fresh sound by blending the various cultural influences of their individual heritage.
Rhythm Culture music appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds because it passes a beautiful, positive, upbeat message. We invite the listener to free their mind and get swept up in a rhythmic experience that we hope will feed their soul. Our music is designed to move the mind as well as the body, a soul freeing, cultural experience. It is written for everyone.
The true focus of all music, including that of Rhythm Culture is to uplift people. So we invite you to bring your dancing shoes and join our Reggae Party!
Band Leader Bio
Byron Mercurius, Drummer, Vocals, Songwriter, and Musical Director: Born in Guyana, South America, Byron Mercurius has been playing music for over 30 years. He began by playing the trumpet, guitar, piano and finally progressed to his current instrument, the trap drum set. He has played with numerous musical groups like Sam & Dave, Cool & The Gang, Rising Lion and has toured the US & Canada on many occasions with Reggae, Rock, R & B, and Blues bands. As a studio musician he has laid tracks for Salt & Pepper, Billy Ocean, Keith Diamond, Joylon Skinner, among others. He has extensive experience working with young people teaching them music as a private instructor as well as a conductor of larger youth bands. Byron currently leads his own Portland Reggae band, Rhythm Culture, and a jazz ensemble, Byron Mercurius & Friends.
Album Notes:
"Keep the Wild Free" was recorded in Corbett, Oregon by Billy Oskay at Big Red Studio. Mixing was done by Craig Brock at Poundhouse Studios.
Contributing Musicians included Anthony "TJ" Ferrara, Keith "Sunborn" Boyer, Steve Michael Smith, Christopher Kennedy, Monte Skillings, Patrick Lamb, Sylvia Jackson, Hannefah Dudley.
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