House of Shem
hail from Aotearoa, New Zealand and like many legendary
reggae groups this band is built around the classic harmony
trio format. At the helm is Carl Perkins, a man with over
thirty years experience writing and playing reggae music.
As a former member of Herbs, Mana and the Twelve Tribes
of Israel Band amongst others, Carl’s musical credentials
are impeccable.
Joining him up front are two of his sons, Te Omeka and
Isaiah who not only provide harmonies but both of whom also
write, take turns at singing lead and play keyboards as
well. Like other popular local whanau-based outfits Kora
and Katchafire, it is this blood link and family bond that
renders the sound of their combined voices as something
really extraordinary. Each of the three has their own distinct
song writing style and voice, effectively giving the band
three different lead singers. The harmonies are sublime
and the precision of their ensemble performance is phenomenal.
Credit must also go to the rhythm section – certainly
one of the tightest you are ever likely to hear, with Kaya
Webster who is a “one-drop” prodigy, having
played drums for the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band since
he was of primary school age and Francis Harawira, a heavy-duty
bassist also formerly of the T.T.I. Band and Token Village.
Rounding out the sound is the exceptionally gifted guitarist
Roy Venkataraman – a seasoned veteran himself who
toured and played with The Wailers band for a number of
years and the soul infused horns of Chris Nielson on sax
and trumpet.
To date, four House of Shem songs have been featured on
the best-selling “Conscious Roots” compilations
(with combined sales in excess of 30,000 units) and in May
of 2008 their debut album, “Keep Rising” was
released on the Local Music imprint. The album is an especially
strong opening statement from the group and with each of
the family members splitting the composition credits evenly
it neatly demonstrates the bands musical range and diversity
of styles. There is something for everyone on here with
catchy pop songs, deep devotional hymns, lovers rock and
dancehall crowd-pleasers all included and vying for your
attention.
Over the last couple of years the band has extensively
toured the country. They have become a regular fixture at
annual festivals such as Soundsplash (Raglan), Parihaka
Peace Festival (Taranaki), Raggamuffin (Rotorua), One Love
(Wellington) and Phat 08 (Nelson) and have forged a loyal
fan base not just in the main centres, but also in the smaller
rural communities. The House of Shem live experience is
an unforgettable occasion – a rare mixture of power
and beauty. Whether you are Rasta or raver, this band’s
incredible tightness, heavenly harmonies, conscious lyrics
and blend of traditional and contemporary reggae styles
will leave you spellbound.
House Of Shem From Left To Right: Francis
Harawira (Bass Guitar), Kaya Webster(Drums), Carl Perkins(Guitar
/ Vox), Roy Venkataraman (Lead Guitar), Te Omeka Perkins(
Keys / Vox), Isaiah Perkins ( Keys / Vox) and Chris Nielson
(Sax / Trumpet)
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