The quintessential American reggae band, Project Vibe has built a fanbase through vigorous touring, with a six-week run in their hometown of New York continuing on June 28th at Birdie’s in Patchogue, their hometown village on Long Island.
The quintet has been promoting their fourth album, “I Am Music,” which was released in late March and contains 11 songs, most of which were written by Project Vibe founder and lead singer Ed “Panama” Arguello.
I Am Music, which Arguello describes as a fusion of funk, jazz and Latin, comes seven years after his previous album, Life Goes On.
“I feel this is one of my most lyrically powerful albums, my magnum opus if you will. It’s a clear and powerful statement of who I am and what I stand for,” said Arguello, a veteran artist who has toured and opened for Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals and Everton Blender.
Project Vibe consists of drummer Drew Bertrand, guitarist Matthew Hansen, bassist James Pipa and keyboardist Colin Turner.
The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and “I Am Music” follows 2006’s “Move Again,” 2012’s “Rhythm Revolution,” and the aforementioned “Life Goes On.”
Arguello is heavily influenced by roots reggae, citing Bob Marley and Burning Spear as his lifelong heroes.
Project Vibe’s 21-date tour is scheduled to conclude on August 30th at Claudia’s Main Restaurant in the Long Island village of Greenport.
Howard Campbell
