Typical of American reggae bands, Project Vibe has built a fan base through relentless touring. Their six-week trek across their native New York continues June 28 at Birdies in Patchogue, a village in their hometown Long Island.

The quintet are promoting I Am Music, their fourth album, which was released in late March. Most of its 11 songs are written by Ed “Panama” Arguello, Project Vibe’s founder and lead singer.

I Am Music, which Arguello describes as a blend of funk, jazz and Latin, was released seven years after Life Goes On, their previous album.

“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,” said Arguello, a veteran artiste who has toured with or opened for Jimmy Cliff, Toots and The Maytals and Everton Blender.

Project Vibe’s lineup is completed by drummer Drew Bertrand, guitarist Matthew Hansen, bassist James Pipa and keyboardist Colin Turner.

The band are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. I Am Music follows Move Again, which came out in 2006, Rhythm Revolution (2012) and the aforementioned Life Goes On.

Arguello is strongly influenced by roots-reggae, pointing to Bob Marley and Burning Spear as lifelong heroes.

Project Vibe’s 21-date tour is scheduled to end August 30 at Claudia’s Main Restaurant in Greenport, a village in Long Island.

Howard Campbell