About The Ambassador...
Soul/rock/reggae artist The Ambassador stands out among others by displaying a strong, soulful vocal presence combined with addictive, upbeat rhythms. His music flows seamlessly from stock reggae beats to bluesy grooves infused with rock and hip-hop. The Ambassador couples catchy hooks and danceable music with intelligent lyrics and a positive message bringing fans of all ages and walks of life. The high-energy performances will keep you bouncing hours after the show’s end.
The Ambassador is Stephen Gabriel Lewis, a Virginia native that has performed and recorded with some of the finest reggae/rock musicians from Southern California to Southwest Virginia, sharing the stage with acts like Midnite, the Wailers, Steel Pulse, Stick Figure, Xavier Rudd, Mike Pinto, The Movement and more. As a follow up to the full-length release “New Roots”, nominated “World Music Album of the Year” at the San Diego Music Awards, The Ambassador's long-awaited studio effort entitled "Cali Love" was released in late 2018. As can be heard in the uptempo single “Powerful Love” with Pato Banton, this latest work features musicianship from a diverse group of San Diego area session players from bands like Elektric Voodoo, Psydecar, SDIB, Southtown Generals and the legendary Wailing Souls. The Ambassador continues to perform both acoustically and with his band Chosen Few at select venues and intends to bring good vibes and inspiration to all who listen.
Press
“...This Ambassador has brought along a finely sharpened crew of musicians, a knack for composing melodies and lyrics that both hit hard, a clear and convincing vocal style and guitar chops that enable and entitle him to throw in a rockish intro or solo from time to time and do some fine acoustic playing. Further, he knows that reggae is good time music as sure as it’s hard times music, and he covers both ends of the spectrum and much of the middle ground... The Ambassador is making great contemporary reggae inspired by the old and bringing a clear-minded diplomacy of love and overstanding to all. -Tom Orr ”
-Tom Orr, Nice Up! Jammin' Reggae
“...The Ambassador’s messages are true to the roots of reggae. In many occasions I thought of the historical hooks created by the great inspiration that is Bob Marley himself. ”
-Matt Emodi, The Pier
“Though I’m usually not one to swoon over reggae, this four-song demo really held my attention, especially the first song, “A New Season,” a five-minute-plus exercise in impressive musicianship, tasteful guitar soloing and well-placed effects.”
-Dryw Keltz, San Diego CityBeat
“That was pretty good. I’d describe the style as a mellower, West Coast reggae, leaning more toward Long Beach Dub All-Stars as opposed to Sublime.”
-Brian Carver, SD Reader
“...The influence of Motown, R&B and jazz is evident throughout the album - the Ambassador has created an eclectic album, all the while sticking to a roots principle...The album is a mix of the gentle, chilled out reggae and more up tempo beats. The lower paced tunes remind me of a description for Jack Johnson’s music, barbecue rock. The cap, I think, fits the Ambassador to a certain extent... ”
-Michael Cotton, Music Bailout
“...Bringing you upbeat melodies layered with soft sweet vocals that tell us stories of truth and honesty, a view between what we see and what we do, being two different sides of the life we choose to lead. With songs like “When the Party Starts” attacking you with it’s kick ass horn section and sick dance rhythm telling a story about a guy who likes to have a good time...There are a lot of reggae bands out there that don’t bring in the roots aspect of the reggae and it’s nice to see new and upcoming bands like The Ambassador show that you can bring it in and it can still be in a very original way.”
-Ryan McKeldin, Branchout Music