Cornerstone Roots (NZ) - 31 July 2010 - Bitterzoet

 

Some Reveiws:

 

 

Cornerstone Roots: Forward Movement

By Mollie McGuigan

This release sums up everything The Corners are about. Recorded at Downbeat Studios in 2003 it brings together the intelligent lyrics of singer/songwriter Brian Ruawai and the natural rhythms of among others, Naomi Tuao and Boyd Dixon. The spiritual, positive energy that McMillan declares is crucial to his music is ever present in forward movement. Every track explores nature and life with the inspirational, forward thinking attitude which The Cornerstone Roots are becoming well known for. Forward Movement provides a cool introduction to the album, with Jabin Wards' sax rift drifting in and out of the following tracks. The remaining tracks combine the natural NZ roots sound with a definite hint of 1970's Jamaican inspired dub. There's a clear reference to Big Youth in the opening bars of New Generation, while you could be forgiven for thinking that Forward Dub, Generation Dub and Forward The Sax had been produced by King Tubby. The Cornerstone Roots are part of a wave of NZ roots outfits and are fast becoming one of the most interesting and inspirational. Their music is honest and unpretentious and the album brings together an array of artists including the aforementioned Ward and Michael Taylor on trumpet and Gary Clarkson on vocals.

 

 

 

Cornerstone Roots: Free Yourself

By Rachel Fallon

This is the third offering from Raglan-based roots-rock reggae five-piece Cornerstone Roots. After their fantastic first album 'Soul Revolution' and follow up EP 'Forward Movement' they have now excelled themselves with this rich, poignant live studio recording. Front man Brian Ruawai projects their political and spiritual message in his usual raw vocal style, perfectly suited to this genre. Add to this the family line up of Brian's partner Naomi Tuao on bass, and son Reiki on backing vocals and you have a warm Aotearoa family vibe. Since they formed in 2001 Brian and Naomi have also set up the Motherland Collective, functioning as both a music label and a vehicle to organise the annual Soundsplash reggae festival in Raglan's natural amphitheatre. The stand out track here is Jah, their most ska influenced featuring Jamaican dancehall vocalist Luciano, which I would love to see as a single. This work was recorded at Dudley Studios Hamilton with engineer Dan Howard in co-production with Brian, released by The Motherland Records and distributed in NZ by Rhythmethod.

 

NZ Herald. Scott Kara  **** 4 Star Rating

Cornerstone Roots come skanking straight out of the small coastal Waikato town of Raglan but a glorious song like Freedom has a universal feel to it that applies just as much to kids at the local kohanga reo as it does to the Aborigines' plight in Australia.

The trio of Brian Ruawai (guitar/vocals), his wife Naomi Tuao (bass), and Boyd Dixon (drums) formed in 2001 after a jam session at the Raglan Musicians' Club. Two years later, with a number of guest musicians, they released debut Soul Revolution, a promising record, but like many debuts it lacked punch and penetration.

On follow up, Free Yourself, the band have done just that and while the solid reggae groove remains, it has a more diverse and self-assured sound.

A big score on the guest list is Jamaican roots reggae singer Luciano who added his soulful croon to Jah when he was here this year for the Raglan reggaefest.

Elsewhere, Forward Movement is soaked in soulful keys; Steppers is an echoing and ebbing instrumental track; and the highlight, Mankiller, is a simple reggae ditty that deals with a potent subject.

And yes, in typical Kiwi style, Home, the catchiest track, does have the barbecue reggae bounce of New Zealand acts like the Black Seeds, but Cornerstone Roots are more traditional and stripped back.

This isn't stylised roots rock reggae, this is the real thing and it's coming straight out of the tiny Raglan Town Hall for the whole world to hear.

Pull up a beer crate, brother.

Unity Pacific: Into the Dread 
Label: EMI
Verdict: These dreads are long, natty and uniquely New Zealand

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