Cornerstone Roots Album Launch
11.06.07
There is little doubt the new Cornerstone Roots album Free Yourself will strike a positive note with many New Zealanders at home and abroad like their debut album Soul Revolution did four years ago. With guest vocals on one track from current king of the dancehall Luciano himself, Free Yourself also has the power to reach those from many different shores.
Whether it is the fact the Raglan-based band are heavily family oriented or deeply tied to the land they come from - the 10 tracks on Free Yourself will serve like a calling to peoples near or far to rise up, feel enriched and to align themselves more acutely with Aotearoa and the world around them.
In true Cornerstone Roots fashion Free Yourself is roots-rock reggae in its best understated yet lively mood.
Front-man Brian Ruawai's powerful voice, which calls on the listener to identify their political stance and spiritual taste. The JJ Cale influenced lead guitar is punctuated by the driving rhythm section of bassist Naomi Tuao and drummer Boyd Dixon. Tasty nuances from percussionist Aaron Bush and keyboardist Nicholas Stevens give this album a rich vein while Brian and Naomi's son Reiki (often seen joining the band live on stage) provides backing vocals on Freedom meaning this is an all-in-the-family offering.
Free Yourself was recorded live at Dudley Studios in Hamilton with engineer Dan Howard.
Motherland Collective present Cornerstone Roots CD Album launch:
23 June
Raglan Town Hall with Zion Hill + guests. 8PM
