
Ooklah the Moc, hailing from Palolo Valley on the island of Oahu, HI, fuses an eclectic mix of original roots and dub reggae into a unique sound unlike any heard before. Influenced from many different genres of music from Jamaica and the UK, Ooklah constantly strives to create bold melodic statements infused with precise and intricate rhythms that all come together to make their original sound.
Started in 1997 by Asher “Killer P” Philipart on guitar, John “Barucus” Davis on drums, and Ryan “Jah Gumby” Murakami on bass, Ooklah the Moc has grown to be one of the most hard hitting roots reggae bands to come out of the Pacific. After the establishment of the band’s rhythm section, other pieces of the Ooklah puzzle came together, starting off with James “Ras Bird” La Pierre. As the first vocalist, Ras Bird brings a uniquely smooth texture to the forefront of the dub experience. Next were the buttery horns from the Kailua band, Dread Ashanti. Comprised of Tony “The Bushman” bush on trombone and Gary “The Ahhman” Nakano on trumpet, the band began to take on a more intricate flavor. Two more vocalists, “Sista Micky” Huihui and Nicholas “Kali” Navales were invited to complete the vocal section and add a large amount of spice to the pot. Rounding out the band is its youngest member, Brad “Watts” Watanabe, who was asked to play keys and brings his extensive musical knowledge to enhance the solid rhythm section.
Together these nine musicians have made Ooklah the Moc a huge force in reggae music. No matter what your taste, Ooklah the Moc always blends positive, intricate and uplifting music with an enormous spirit to create a powerful sound all their own.
Thursday, March 23
ASHKENAZ, Berkeley, CA
$12, $10 Students, All Ages, Show 9:30pm
Friday, March 24
STUDIO “Z”, San Francisco, CA
$10, 21+, Doors 9pm
Saturday, March 25
LAST DAY SALOON, Santa Rosa, CA
$10, 21+, Show 9:30pm
Monday, March 27
THE ATTIC – Santa Cruz, CA
$12 advance/$15 door, All Ages, Doors 7pm
For more info go to www.ooklahthemoc.com
For press inquiries, contact So You Can at 831-479-0711 or soyoucan@sbcglobal.net
Amy Shapas
So You Can
831-479-0711
831-479-4242 fax
amy@soyoucan.com
www.soyoucan.com
www.myspace.com/soyoucan
Leave a comment