When it comes to recording music, Ed “Panama” Arguello lifts several pages from the books of his heroes who include Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Ruben Blades.

Founder of the Project Vibe Band out of Long Island, New York, he took his time writing most of the songs on ‘I Am Music’, their fourth album which is scheduled for release on 13th April.

That represents a seven-year break since ‘Life Goes On’, the quintet’s previous album. Arguello expects Project Vibe Band fans to be pleased with their latest set.

“I believe this is one of my most lyrically-potent albums, my magnum opus so to say. Clear and strong statements of who and what I represent,” he said.

Arguello added that ‘I Am Music’ hears him and his colleagues maintaining their passion for blending traditional reggae with other sounds such as Latin, Funk and Jazz.

A singer who has toured with or opened for Jimmy Cliff, Toots and The Maytals and Everton Blender, Arguello has written the lion’s share of Positive Vibe Band’s songs including ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Clandestino’.

The current lineup also includes drummer Drew Bertrand, guitarist Matthew Hansen, bassist James Pipa and keyboardist Colin Turner.

Positive Vibe Band formed in 2004, which means they celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. As for scoring a hit single after all those years, Arguello is philosophical.

After 20 years, getting a hit single is 20 years overdue,” he said.

Although not as well-known as other American reggae bands like Grammy winner SOJA, Rebelution and Stick Figure, the Positive Vibe Band have carried the music’s banner across the United States.

‘Move Again’, their first album, was released in 2006. The second, ‘Rhythm Revolution’, came out six years later.

(Photo contributed)