Cornerstone Roots
Cornerstone Roots are a four piece original, reggae, roots band from Raglan NZ. They have enjoyed a humble career over the past 8 years focusing at the 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 Brian 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, Trinity Roots & The Black Seeds feature on the album and Jonathon Crayford makes a guest appearance on keyboards.
In 2005 Cornerstone Roots recorded and released the EP Forward Movement that featured two tracks Forward Movement & New Generation plus three versions of each.
In July 2007 the band released their second Album "Free Yourself" which was one of the top 20 selling independent releases for 2007.
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. They have also collaborated with Artists such as Big Youth, Ranking Joe and Luciano.
Cornerstone Roots now produce a sound that is pushing boundaries beyond their genre. A mixture of influences has crept into the band but the essence of the cornerstone sound will always remain present. The message and the Cornerstone Roots sound will always connect with a new generation of listeners worldwide.