Artist description The scorching rhythms and sweet harmonies of ROOT AWAKENING, one of the premiere roots music makers in America, have been reaping continual raves from lovers of reggae worldwide for the past seven years. From their right-on renderings of Studio One and Treasure Isle classics to their powerful conscious original tunes, this energetic, professional five-piece ensemble is totally committed to their art. Among the talented and seasoned musicians are multi-instrumentalist HERB DALY, founding member and lead guitarist for the seminal roots band, the Rastafarians, and stellar guitarist VINCE BLACK, whose tours and sessions include steady work with Black Uhuru, Wailing Souls and Dub Syndicate.

Music Style Reggae

Musical Influences Studio One, Treasure Isle, Black Ark, King Tubby's, Channel One

Similar Artists Dennis Brown, Heptones, Meditations, Sly & Robbie, Roots Radics

Artist History Since its inception in 1994, ROOT AWAKENING has shared stages with (and received accolades from) the majority of the world’s top international touring reggae artists. Festival highlights have included the 1998 and 1999 Roots Mountain Reggae Festivals in Washington State (at which ROOT AWAKENING backed the legendary Congos from Jamaica), California’s Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, the Kansas City Reggaefest, the 2000 Northwest Reggae Festival, Montana's Roots Revolution Festival 2000 and San Francisco's Reggae in the Park. In the past year, ROOT AWAKENING has provided musical backing for seminal roots vocalists the Congos, ska/rock steady legend Ken Boothe, UK dj sensation Tippa Irie, young roots revival star Daweh Congo, conscious Native American performer Casper Lomayesva from the Hopi reservation (including a massively acclaimed performance at Reggae on the River 2000) and Ethiopian reggae star Isaac Haile Selassie. On the international front, ROOT AWAKENING wowed thousands of music lovers from all over the globe at the International Sailing Regatta Festival on the island of Bonaire, Dutch West Indies.

Group Members Cedric Angila: Drums, vocals; Herb Daly: Bass, vocals; John Nevin: Keyboards, lead vocals; David Yusem: Guitars, vocals; Vince Black, guitars

Instruments Drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, horns, percussion, lead and harmony vocals

Albums Their stunning debut cd “Roots Tonic” was rated the #1 independent USA reggae release of the year by Reggae Report magazine.

Press Reviews The Beat: "100% pure niceness as advertised, this tonic is good for what ails you...outstanding tunes"Dub Missive: "As good as this album is, I've seen better. In this case the 'better' is Root Awakening on stage. They liberally sprinkle their live performances with a series of cover tunes that celebrate the days of Studio One and Treasure Isle with an authenticity that permits one to close the eyes and easily imagine what it must have been like way back when. Do the right thing and go for some "Roots Tonic"."Reggae Nucleus: ""Roots Tonic" makes a strong case that great reggae can come from outside of Jamaica...100% pure niceness from the roots."Reggae Bloodlines: "...tough lead vocals, sweet falsetto harmonies, energetically played riddims and positive vibes. "Roots Tonic" propels Root Awakening to the top of the pack among domestic reggae bands."

Location Santa Cruz, CA - USA

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