The Process: Jon Batiste / Chad Smith / Bill Laswell

David Asher (vocals) and Garrick Owen (guitar) formed the reggae outfit the Process in their native Michigan in 1989. Aiming for a positive stance in music, the Process added the rhythm section of Bill Heffelfinger (bass) and Sam Metropoulos (drums) shortly thereafter. Mystery Babylon marked their debut in 1991 and a year later, Baldhead Vex appeared. Both the band's name and the album soared thanks to the popularity of such singles as "Run Them Down" and "Corporate Drain." Countless gigs across the Midwest also poised the Process for future stardom alongside the usual hard work. The remix album Dub Instructor followed in 1994 while 1997's Craven Dog showcased a more mature sound from the Process. Combining elements of pop inside their infectious reggae beats, Craven Dog pushed the Process outside their comfort zone to airwaves across the U.S. Five years later and with P-Funk All Star Gabe Gonzales in tow, the Process issued Blood & Bones.
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