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Cornerstone Roots: Forward Movement

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 McMillan 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.

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