Stamina Allstars International

Creators of original roots reggae rhythm tracks out of California. We're veterans who appreciate and wish to preserve and strengthen this music we all love, via recording on analog tape with live musicians playing their instruments together. There's a 'tribal' completeness and rhythmic interaction which is impossible to duplicate by building computer tracks. Our tracks use our original basslines which still carry the weight and vibe of the foundation riddims; nothing against the 'classic' reggae riddims, some of them still rule the dancehall after 40+ years! But reggae music needs new riddims to survive and progress. The very fine vocalists who sing and toast over our tracks appreciate their classic, 'organic' feel (as we appreciate and admire their vocal and lyrical talents).

After making music together for three decades, drummer Bruce Benjamin and bassie Herb Daly recently embarked on the “100 Riddim Project.” Recalling how his artist father stretched canvases to paint later, Bruce decided to apply the same principle to compiling a catalog of roots rhythms that could be colored beautifully with the singers and musicians he loves. Bruce’s Actual Music Productions recorded a large selection of Herb’s original foundation bass lines on 2" analog tape at Oakland’s Wally Sound Studios with the Stamina! Allstars (Herb and Bruce, along with Mike Mongiello, Rusty Zinn and John Nevin).

The tracks were then sent to Kingston, JA to be overdubbed and mixed by the very best in the Jamaican music industry. Enter the extremely talented singer/songwriters, whose vocal palettes laid down some of Jamaica’s most stylistic, soulful, and satisfying examples of contemporary reggae to date. Bringing in an elite list of session masters (including familiar old-school names like Robbie Lyn, Franklin “Bubbler” Waul, Sly Dunbar, Noel “Scully” Simms, Dean Fraser and Nambo Robinson). Finally, the professional mixing excellence of Rohan Dwyer, Michael Williamson, Fatta Marshall and Clive Hunt added the rich textures that were so essential to this world-class release. Stamina Allstars International is the result of this special collection, showcasing World class reggae artists on Actual Music Productions’ first Stamina! Allstars compilation.

The reggae revival is growing as a new wave of conscious roots begins to move forward in Jamaica, America and many other international communities. Here is our contribution, straight from the hearts of the Stamina! Allstars, who have long been steadfast in their passion for upholding a quality standard and a sincere yearning to play another crucial groove.