Root Awakening is a rock-solid unit of reggae disciples who have forged a unique and vibrant sound. Based in Santa Cruz, California since forming in 1994, Root Awakening's talent and devotion propel the band's heartfelt tributes to reggae's classics and its driving original tunes. Root Awakening's critically acclaimed debut cd, Roots Tonic, has been receiving continuous and widespread airplay from radio stations across the USA since its release in 1997, and was ranked the #1 independent USA reggae release of the year in Reggae Report magazine. "Hungry for Dub", from Roots Tonic, is featured on the soundtrack of the new National Geographic/TBS documentary "Driving the Dream", and other tunes have been featured on the Burly Bear Network, the largest college cable TV network in the USA. In 1999, Root Awakening performed before thousands at the week-long International Sailing Regatta on the island of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean.

The expertise and vitality of Root Awakening guarantees world-class music and jam-packed dance floors--as proven at major reggae festivals and concerts with such international reggae stars as Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, Third World, the Wailers, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Culture, Toots and the Maytals and many others. In the tradition of the great R&B singing groups who influenced the pioneer reggae singers of Jamaica, soulful, lush harmonies and dazzling arrangements sweeten Root Awakening's explosive pulse.

Meet the members of Root Awakening:

Herb Daly (bass, vocals, guitar). Daly visited Jamaica in the Seventies teaching adult literacy in the poor areas of Kingston and wound up in recording sessions with Jamaican artists U Roy, the Mighty Diamonds, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. Upon his return to the States, he joined with California reggae trailblazers Roots of Creation and toured the West Coast; co-founded the popular international reggae ensemble, the Rastafarians, and provided guitar, bass, vocals and percussion for the group's two LP's and on its national tours. Daly's respected musical abilities and love of reggae music serve as the 'bass-ic' backbone of Root Awakening's dynamic sound.

Vince Black (lead guitar). When not touring the globe and recording with many of the greats of reggae (Black Uhuru, Wailing Souls, Dub Syndicate, and Andrew Tosh to name several), the savvy and gifted Vince weaves his searing guitar wizardry seamlessly into the fiery core of Root Awakening's music. Fluent in many musical languages, Black's versatile, fluid guitar injects a fullness and wholeness into the mix.

John 'Johnny Dread' Nevin (keyboards, vocals). While earning his BFA in music from the University of Kansas, Nevin deejayed reggae over the KC airwaves, then fronted various touring reggae bands throughout the Midwest. Nevin's credits include backing Garth Dennis (currently with Black Uhuru) and Ras Midas, and performing at major concerts--including the Vermont Reggae Festival. Nevin's versatile musical talents and on-stage fervor define and spice up Root Awakening's bubbling rhythm stew.

David 'Roots' Yusem (guitar, vocals). Raised on the Philly soul sound, Yusem cut his teeth on reggae while working on a philosophy degree at George Washington University. Upon graduation, David honed his musical skills in the San Fransisco Bay area as a founding member of the Mellow D Posse backing Jamaican DJ Mellow Maxx. Inspired by Jamaican guitar legends Earl "Chinna" Smith and Ernest Ranglin, Yusem's crucial licks and riffs charge the rugged sound of Root Awakening.

Cedric Angila (drums, percussion). Born and raised on the Caribbean isle of Bonaire, Angila grew up amidst a wide variety of West Indian music, including salsa, reggae, soca, and meringue. With over 20 years of experience creating scorching rhythms on stages in the West Indies and (since 1984) in the USA, Angila infuses Root Awakening with a broad blend of island drumbeats, relentlessly propelling the band's powerful roots reggae 'riddims'.

Root Awakening is currently scheduling performances and is also available for (and experienced in) recording sessions, artist live support/backing (providing music for the legendary Congos and for UK dj sensation Tippa Irie on the West Coast) and production projects. For promotional materials or for further information on how Root Awakening can 'lively up' your event or production, please contact Stamina! Productions at 888.292.5364 or via e-mail: herbd@ix.netcom.com.

Stamina! Productions
PO Box 4152
Santa Cruz, CA 95063
toll-free hotline: 1-888-AWAKENING** fax: 831-423-9214
website: http://www.mp3.com/RootAwakening
e-mail: herbd@ix.netcom.com