Kings and Comrades

"After much anticipation, Philadelphia’s Kings and Comrades have just released their third full-length studio album on August 3rd titled On My Way. Led by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Jeff McCaughey, the band has come a long way since they began over a decade ago. Starting with only two members, Kings and Comrades are now equipped as a full ensemble, including a horn section made up of Frank Rein and Rick Rein. The band played the 4th Annual California Roots Festival and has shared the stage with the likes of Tribal Seeds, Josh Heinrichs, Stick Figure, Fortunate Youth and more.

This whole album emulates a feel good, positive sound.
On My Way already has Kings and Comrades fans extremely excited and listening to the new record on repeat! The band specializes in smooth, positive lyrics and sweet melodies. In a 2015 interview with lead singer McCaughey, he talks about their latest album, “Love songs are a big part of our style. Growing up, I always gravitated to the Lovers Rock style of Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, Carlton and The Shoes and so many more. Love is such a big part of my life and I think that really comes through in the songwriting. There are a few other recurring themes, such as self-acceptance and escape. Sometimes, we all just need to get away from society and appreciate the little things in life.” The band has definitely stayed true to these roots with On My Way; songs such as “When I’m With You”, “One in a Million” and “Love You Right” beautifully showcase this.

Similar to their last 2015 album, Get Away, the band worked closely with E.N Young on the production of this album and is now out via Young’s own Roots Musician Records. He produced all the tracks on the record, giving it a polished sound and even jumps on the song, “Ease Your Mind”! The song features that signature ‘E.N Young melodica’ sound and is about lighting a spliff and easing your mind with some good reggae music at the end of a long day. I can always appreciate a good horn section, so the first track off the album, “Life is Alright”, is one of my favorites. Jeff McCaughey has a one-of-a-kind voice that compliments each track very well. This whole album emulates a feel good, positive sound. Kings and Comrades have outdone themselves with this one! There’s so much to love, from the inspiring lyrics to the catchy guitar riffs, soulful horn sections and precise drum fills.

On My Way is currently available on all digital outlets, so go pick up a copy for yourself and let the good vibes of this record take over… you will not be disappointed!" - Top Shelf Music

"The relationship between Rootfire & Philadelphia-area Kings and Comrades dates back almost ten years and is filled with some interesting connections. Rootfire founder, Seth Herman, along with John Brown’s Body, who he was managing at the time, selected a Kings and Comrades track, “Another Way,” to be included on The Pier’s 2009 “Exposed Sampler.” Rootfire also included this track on our 2013 Progressive Roots vinyl sampler, which culled together tracks from some of our favorite artists performing at that year’s California Roots Festival.

Back in 2012, Seth, then managing The Green, helped arrange for K & C to open for the Hawaiian reggae stars during their Philadelphia show at the now defunct Blockley. This performance also featured Stick Figure on their first ever tour, who, incidentally, had previously introduced me to the music of K & C via a tweet promoting one of K & C’s earlier releases.

I first met Kings and Comrades’ lead singer/songwriter Jeff McCaughey at that Blockley performance, and over the years I have connected with him at various reggae events in the NYC/Philly area. Whenever I would run into him, I’d badger him about when K & C would be releasing new music.

The answer to that question is now: Rootfire is excited to premiere the title track to Kings and Comrades’ latest album On My Way, dropping August 3 on Roots Musician Records." - Rootfire