Roots Covenant

Roots Covenant originally formed in 2001 as a group of San Diego teenagers who would meet to simply share their love for underground collectable reggae records. Since then they have used their passion for true reggae music to feed their drive and create unique soulful rhythms of their own. Its seven members offer an intense musical sensation by soulfully playing their instruments (Guitar, Keyboard, Drums, Bass, Trumpet, Saxaphone).

Its seven members offer an intense musical sensation by soulfully playing their instruments (Guitar, Keyboard, Drums, Bass, Trumpet, Saxaphone). Each member contributes uniquely through their instruments, differentiating them from other amateur reggae bands. For example, Bassist Danny Dread has created an extremely exceptional style by combining his own rhythmic vibes with those techniques that Santana himself has personally handed down to his family.

This rhythmic connection the band shares with their instruments has allowed them to be invited to back such artists as Ken Bob, Tippa Lee ad Andrew Wright. They have performed for thousands all around Southern California and have opened for Pato Banton, Eek-A-Mouse, Half Pint and many more. Currently, the band is touring with international reggae legend, Sammy Dread. Together they have created an unstoppable, breath taking show that will be taken around the world

The powerful and moving words their music evokes embrace themes of love, unity, truth, war and justice. Through their captivating sounds and irie vibes Roots Covenant have now gained recognition as a local premier reggae band in Southern California.

In 2007, Roots Covenant has satisfied the requests of their 2000+ fan-base by releasing their self ?titled debut album. In less than three months they have sold an astonishing 1000 albums, a flattering amount considering its self-promotion and distribution. The album marks only a first step on a journey with a promise of more in the future.



Sammy Dread Bio:

One of Jamaica's most distinguished and beloved reggae artists, Sammy Dread has been noted as one of the first Reggae Legends to embrace dancehall. His passion and emotive delivery just adds further weight to his reputation. He made his recording debut in the latter half of the seventies when dancehall started to develop itself as a new musical style and his classic recordings from that era remain relevant today. He epitomizes the magical radiance of the Jamaican roots singer who delivers a visionary philosophy that yearns for a stolen past and knows that music must be both sweet and dread for people to understand.

Sammy Dread's best work has been produced in collaboration with such reggae artists as Sugar Minnot, Barrington Levy, Linval Thompson, Johnny Osbourne, Michael Profit and many more. Throughout his career he has managed to produce a series of number-one hits including; "In This Time", "Roadblock," "Rude Boy a Fire M-16," and "Dreadlocks Girl". His songs define the vitality and rapture of reggae's golden era in the 70's and 80's.

The influence that Sammy Dread has brought to Reggae and music in general has been widely recognized. Hip Hop's 'Fat Boy's' paid homage in their smash 1983 hit, "Hardcore Reggae" when the rappers call the names of a few Jamaican music greats: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Sassafras, and Sammy Dread. He also received much recognition when he appeared in their video.

Sammy Dread is definitely a singer who best exemplifies classic dancehall vocals. Many would agree that if his voice were to never be heard from again his tunes alone would be engraved forever in the memories of countless listeners.

Fortunately this legend has continued to take a hard-edged, roughhouse approach to reggae and is back on the mic creating commotion amongst reggae fans everywhere while bringing the art of roots rock to a whole new level!



Trevor Castell Bio:

Trevor Castell was born and raised on the roughest streets of one of the most notorious ghettos in Jamaica, Kingston 11 aka Waterhouse/Firehouse, on Oct. 31,1961.
He is the younger brother of the late Youthman artist Lacksley Castell, who cut albums of distinction such as Morning Glory, Princess Lady and Jah Fire.
In 1978 Trevor wrote the song "Children of the Israelites" aka "Jah Children" for Lacksley's debut recording for Augusta Pablo, which was recorded on the Hungry Town Label. During that time Trevor and his family lived literally next door to Don Carlos and the legendary King Tubby Studios on Drumalie Ave. So growing up he'd always been exposed to the whole culture of Jamaican music and its evolution to reggae, Trevor was inspired by such artists as his brother Lacksley, Yabby U (Vivian Jackson), Prince Allah, Jackie Edwards, Don Carlos, Cornell Campbell and Delroy Wilson. When the Castell family moved to Duhaney Park, King Tubby purchased the Castell residence for his mother to live in.
At the young age of 14, Trevor was already hanging out in the rough streets of the ghetto. In the streets people knew him as "Stella" a nickname that is a derivative of his last name. Though considered the "thug" of the family his true desire and ambition was to be a singer. He would go to rehearsals with Don Carlos where the Wailing Souls would practice. Don Carlos and Garth Dennis are the ones credited with giving guidance and inspiration towards the growth of both Trevor and Lacksley as Reggae musicians. Don Carlos more so, because it was he who kept Trevor motivated until Don himself got his big break.
Trevor also credits his mother and father, Theresa and Winston Castell, who always provided encouragement, faith and the "never give up your dreams" inspiration.
Trevor got his first break when best friend, David "Sugar" Lee son of legendary producer Bunny "Striker" Lee, convinced his father to give Trevor a chance to record his own music. In 1983 Trevor broke out with his debut single "Cool and Deadly", recorded on the Gorgon JA and Shuttle UK labels. That same year he recorded "Dance Up A New Kingston" which happened to be the quickest song he ever wrote. The song was inspired by the clash between Jamaican radio disc jockey Barry G and English radio disc jockey David Rodigan. He also did a tune on a 12" called "Well Fare" on the Mustak label distributed by Dynamic Sounds as well as an album for KIBWE Music in Washington DC, manufactured by RAS records called "Sugar Minott-Trevor Castell in Reggae International, which was a compilation of artists that was produced by Ras Jesse and mixed by renowned studio engineer Scientist (once prot?g? of the legendary ?Dubmaster? himself King Tubby). Trevor did 2 tracks on the album entitled "Gypsy Woman" and "Mr. Carpenter" a song that was co-written by little brother Clifton "Bud" Castell. Other tracks still yet to be released are "Joker Lover", "Stranger", "Dance the Reggae", "Oppression" and "Ram Dance Master".
From the late 80's to the present we didn't hear much from Trevor, due greatly to the passing of his brother Lacksley. Since their bond was so close things were not the same for him anymore, and the "vibe" for the music was no longer there, even though he was in a good musical fraternity like the Bunny Lee Camp to make him excel as singer in the business.
Today Trevor says he's ready to get "back to basics" and be brave once more. The courage and inspiration to hold the mic again are what his brother, his family and most importantly Trevor are all about.
Trevor now resides in Miami with a family of his own and is ready to embark on his career as a Reggae artist, on a mission as a bona-fide legend.
Trevor Castell is once again ready to make the music of today and tomorrow.
(J. ?Pisces? Langit/ Graphic Artist and friend)
Band Interests
Hill & Valley Artists are:



Roots Covenant http://www.myspace.com/rootscovenant

King Mondo http://www.myspace.com/kingdubby

Milintica http://www.myspace.com/milinticaband

Trevor Castell http://www.myspace.com/trevorcastell