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Cornerstone Roots are a seven piece original, reggae, roots band from Raglan. The band are an integral part of an exciting roots movement that has been gaining momentum in New Zealand over the past few years... music that is message orientated, soul induced, & bass driven.
Cornerstone Roots focus at a flax roots level constantly taking their own unique brand of conscious original roots music to the people through touring and performing live. Their performances are strong and powerful and their message of peace is easily accessible to any audience.
The band epitomise the organic approach of some of their earlier predecessors but still whip up grooves that sit equally as well alongside more contemporary acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and Salmonella Dub.
Formed in 2001, the original three-piece outfit included singer/songwriter/guitarist Bri Ruawai drummer Turongo Dixon and bassist Naomi Tuao.
Their music at that time was riddim focused and a mix of contemporary styled ska/roots/soul and reggae. After the release of debut single 'One Fine Day' in 2002, the following year the Cornerstone Roots released their debut album 'Soul Revolution'.... a gritty live rhythm track album described by some reviewers as “brilliant” and “impressive”. Wellington musicians from Fat Freddy’s Drop, TrinityRoots & The Black Seeds feature on the album and Jonathon Crayford makes a guest appearance on keyboards.
2005 sees Conerstone Roots recording a new album.
Latest tracks already released or pending release are –
under the Dub Conspiracy label featuring Studio One MC Ranking Joe over the new 'Forward Movement' track. 'One Fine Day' remix on the Kaikoura Roots CD, 'Soul Revolution' on 'Ocean & Earth', 'Tronador' (Brazil), 'Miracles' on 'Weekend Sessions 2' on Liberation Music (Aust) and 'Forward Movement' on Loop Recordings release Select 06. (NZ/Aust)
Cornerstone Roots have in the past opened for Jamaican legends Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Michael Rose with Sly n Robbie, Lee Scratch Perry & the Mad Professor.
Festivals played include SoundSplash, Alpine Unity, Kaikoura Roots, Rhythm & Vines, Wild Food Festival, Destinations, Best of Reggae, World Expo, Grey Lynn Fest, Phat Outdoors, Queenscliff, Blues n Roots (NZ), Prana, Kuranda Reggaefest, Summer Series and One Love.
With a deep respect for Jamaican music, Cornerstone Roots successfully produce a nu roots sound that reflects the bands local environment, and like so many other New Zealand roots musicians, the Cornerstone Roots message is building a new generation of listeners worldwide.
Band Members:
Brian McMillian (vocals, guitar)
Naomi Tuao (bass)
Boyd 'Rikkihana' Turongo Dixon (drums)
Lisa McLeod (keyboards)
Artist Website
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