westbound train
Dedication is the name of the game for reggae/ska veterans Westbound Train. Recently celebrating their 20-year anniversary, the Boston and NYC-based octet released their fifth studio record, "Dedication", in October 2022. Singer Obi Fernandez explains:"After all these years, we’ve remained dedicated to our craft, dedicated to this genre we love, and the new album is dedicated to the memory of our bass player's dad Gene Merritt, who recently passed. Dedication is about so many things we love."
Since forming in 2001/2002 at Berklee College of Music, Westbound Train has shared their love of soulful ska and reggae music with audiences all over the world. Influenced by pioneers ranging from The Skatalites to Otis Redding, Hepcat to The Slackers, the band's infectious vocal hooks and high-energy live shows have found them performing all over the world--from the Vans Warped Tour to Summer of Ska toRude Cat Festival to countless reggae festivals and national and international tours.
“These guys are true students of Jamaican music. It’s evident in every record I hear fromthem. The hard-to-achieve nuances of Ska and Reggae shine through effortlessly in eachone of their performances. As soon as that downbeat hits, you are instantly reminded of the classic tunes from JA.“-Roger Rivas (The Aggrolites)
Westbound Train's albums are currently available online wherever you stream your music. Also available on vinyl are the new album,Dedication, as well as a first-ever vinyl pressing of their celebrated Hellcat Records debut, Transitions (2006).
As the band enters its third decade, the future looks bright. Modern bands are lots of things these days. Members of Westbound Train are fathers and sons, teachers and business owners, studio musicians and band leaders. They are also dedicated to continuing Westbound Train's unique recorded take on classic Jamaican music. The band [Obi Fernandez (vocals, trombone), Rich Graiko (trumpet), Carlos Menezes Jr.(saxophone), Gideon Blumenthal (keyboards), Alex Brumel (guitar), Alex Stern (guitar), Thad Merritt(bass), and Eric Novod (drums)] is currently working on its sixth studio album and is excited to share new material with its loyal fan base for years to come.
Homebase: Boston, Massachusetts
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