 "Return of the Righteous" is not only the title of their new album, but also a good description of their show in Ostróda. Considered pioneers of the new wave in Jamaican live reggae, they will present all what we love them for - roots from a source with a rocky edge and dub trance, as well as jumping up and a throaty voice of the singer, Stephen Newland.
For the first time they peformed in Poland at Ostróda Reggae Festival in 2009 as an unknown newcomer. Their indomitable young energy and a fresh musical vision won the hearts of the Polish public. Each another visits proved their development. Today they are and experienced band, with the world's biggest festivals and tours in dozens of countries on their account. While undeniably rooted in reggae the six-member outfit uses their collective passion to create a sound that pushes boundaries and defies being boxed into a single genre. With over a decade sharing the stage together, along with the release of both studio albums “Movement” (2008) and “Gravity” (2010) they have managed to build a strong international fan base that spans across and beyond the 22 countries they have visited in not just reggae but also rock and jamband circles. At home in Jamaica Rootz Underground has made their mark with performances ranging from foundation festivals such as Reggae Sunsplash, Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute and Welcome to Jamrock to mixed format shows such as The Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. They have toured heavily in both North America and Europe for many years gracing events such as Summerjam, Reggae Sunska, Roskilde, Garorock, Reggae on The River, The Raggamuffins Festival, Earthdance, Harmony Festival, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival to name a few. With a firm grasp on the foundation as well as influenced by the resurgence of the band format out of Jamaica, Rootz continues to grow consistently building on every show.
After a long sojourn deep into the realms of musical creativity, Rootz Underground has emerged victorious with the first half of their double album "Return of the Righteous - Volume 1".
These reggae rockers have diligently continued to open new doors, leading further into the roots of spirituality; using metaphysics and telepathy to bring listeners songs that push the creative envelope, while maintaining the vision of roots reggae's foundation. With even more significant concert performances of their thoughtfully sequenced, emotive set added to their portfolio of musical expression, the band has come back to the Jamaican studio lab with more vibes both from the fans and to channel into these tracks. The set includes the single Kingston Town which represents the epitome of crucial roots collaboration with the unique vocal stylings of the legendary Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals. The playful anthem Rain takes cues from vintage rhythms and the game of love and features songstress Sherieta Lewis who has recorded with the Playing For Change series. Musical alliances with reggae icons Dean Fraser and Wayne Armond, as well as the inclusion of a brass section and percussive elements complete the evolved, and enriched sound of “Return of the Righteous – Volume 1”, which is due for a highly anticipated summer 2014 release. “Return of the Righteous is the vibration in the air of Righteousness returning to the hearts of people in general. The album title does not refer to specific individuals or groups but rather speaks of universal love and connection of all life. This notion is expressed here in musical language with an accent on JAH highest love and goodness. “Sometimes the battle must be won with love rather than war” - lead singer Stephen Newland explains.
Links:
video:
„Return of the Righteous” (official trailer)
Rootz Underground live Ostróda Reggae Festival 2012 (whole show, interview, TVP2)
"Time is an Iliusion" live Ostróda Reggae Festival 2009
„Unknown Soldier” clip
„Herb Fields” clip
"Victims of the System" clip
"Hammer" clip
„Rain” feat Sherieta Lewis, clip
live Ostróda Reggae Festiwal 2009, crowd on the stage
„Hammer” live Ostróda Reggae Festival 2012
Rootz Underground Indiegogo campaign
„Fret Not Thyself” live 2014
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