Cornerstone Roots are a successful contemporary reggae band from Raglan/Whaingaroa in the Waikato. They have a warm soulful sound, and have released 2 albums Soul Revolution and Free Yourself.
History
Formed in 2001 after a session at the infamous local Raglan Musicians Club, the original three-piece outfit singer/songwriter/guitarist Brian and drummer Turongo Dixon and bassist Naomi Tuao formed the rhythm section of Cornerstone Roots. The music at that time was raw and riddim focused with a mix of contemporary styled ska/roots/soul and reggae.
The band quickly developed a strong local following with many of the early shows being filmed and recorded by fans. This prompted the band to record their first EP One Fine Day in 2001 where they set about touring provincial New Zealand where the cafes were crammed and live shows intense.
By the following year the Corners had released debut album Soul Revolution, described by some reviewers as brilliant and impressive. The album was recorded in Wellington with engineer Lee Prebble at Surgery where the rhythm tracks were recorded live in one weekend. The album release was backed up with 20 date tour of NZ ending at the Wellington Town Hall supporting powerhouse rhythm section Sly and Robbie.
2004 saw the band cross the Tasman eight times with the release of the Forward Movement EP which was nominated for Best Roots Release in 2005.
Cornerstone Roots have supported some heavyweight reggae acts including Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Sly and Robbie with Michael Rose, Jimmy Cliff, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Mad Professor. They have also recorded tracks with Ranking Joe & Big Youth.
The band have evolved many times since its humble beginnings and now feature Jonathan Crayford on keyboards and Aaron Bush on percussion. Recent shows have been described as intense with the impact of a hammer hitting an anvil.
June 2007 sees Cornerstone Roots release a new album Free Yourself and following up with the Free Yourself Album Release Tour
Discography
Albums
Singles
- 2001 - One Fine Day EP
- 2004 - Forward Movement EP
Compilation Appearances
- Radio Active 89FM Silver Selections - Reveal Yourself Version
- Conscious Roots - Light
- Conscious Roots 3 - Home
- Dub Conspiracy - Forward Movement Part 2 (Featuring Rankin Joe)
- The Green Room 004: Hope - Forward Dub
- The Grey Lynn Park Festival Compilation - Soul Revolution
- Kaikoura Roots Festival 2005 - Soul Revolution ([[DMS Remix) (Cornerstone Roots Song)|Soul Revolution (DMS Remix)]]
- Weekend Sessions 2 - Miracles
External links
Categories
Reggae
Band
Jan 2001
