The Rising Tide features lead vocalist/singer songwriter Jah Sun, Tony Thompson on guitar, Beau ” Arrow” Sheppard on bass/harmonies, Nick “Kirbz” Kirby on drums/harmonies, and producer/multi-instrumentalist Jallanzo “Dub MatriXx.”
From the heart of Humboldt County, California, where the redwoods meet the Pacific, lead vocalist Jah Sun emerges as an artist dedicated to global and social healing. Fusing the sounds of hip-hop, reggae and world music with conscious and uplifting lyrics, he hopes to awaken the human spirit and inspire others to live to their ultimate potential. Jah Sun brings his message of love and unity with a variety of vocal styles. From fierce hip-hop explosions, to melodic ballads, roots anthems and sensual dance-hall licks, he brings something for everyone. Regardless of style, the common theme throughout all of his music is the consistent message of positivity, love and respect, and kindness to all.
Jah’s vocals are supported by guitarist Tony Thompson who was raised in Portland, Oregon. Thompson grew up with a love for music. His dad began teaching him drums when he was 5 and from then on he knew music was to play a pivotal role in his life. He was 18 when he started really playing guitar and developing his stills in that realm. Music has always been there and guided him through the highest highs and the lowest lows. It is his goal that through music, he will be able to positively affect listeners in the same way that it has served him.
On bass and harmonies is Beau “Arrow” Sheppard. Growing up in the Southern California surf scene, Arrow was nurtured by a musical culture. With early sonic influences like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Paul Simon, Devo, and Fleetwood Mac, he discovered a passion for rhythm, harmony, and beat. Applying this to his singing and playing, he succeeds in conveying joy for life, while flowing like the ocean.
Rounding out the band on drums and harmonies is Nick “Kirbz” Kirby who comes from the small town of Oakland, Oregon. Kirbz has been playing music since he was 2 years old. If he’s not playing drums, he’s playing bass, guitar, or he is in the studio engineering. Kirbz has learned that playing and performing music does something internally for each and every person out there in a positive way. Music has gotten him through many obstacles in life, and therefore, music is his passion.
Joining this kindred group of West Coast musicians is producer and multi-instrumentalist Jallanzo. Born and raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica, he has shared the stage and studio with reggae legends and upcoming artists all over the globe. Jallanzo is especially known for his psychedelic dub sound. In Jallanzo’s live dub set, stems are used from his original productions of authentic roots reggae music and infused with pulsating drum and bass, melodious rhythm and vocals splashed with echoes and reverb, from an analog mixing board. Dub MatriXx collaborates with artists and musicians intending to spread the message of love, creating uplifting surroundings worldwide.
Combined, these musicians form Jah and The Rising Tide. Through their music, these artists
are spreading waves of positivity, love, respect, and kindness to all.