Vancouver collective The Beatroot Road is on a serious world/roots mission – release a series of singles every six weeks that will lead to the release of their debut album in the Spring of 2025. And there is a concept tied to the singles too – each will present the collective’s take on another aspect of world/roots music combination.
For “Underground Roots,” the first single in the series, The Beatroot Road led by Mark Russell and violinist Hazel Fairbairn go for an African/Latin vibe, coupled with complex drum beats. Those beats though are led by bodhrán – a Celtic goatskin frame drum – with additional Latin percussion instruments, bass, surf guitar and a synth by Russel
Yet the idea seems to be to take a ‘road’ less travelled, making these “Underground Roots” sound both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Kenyan vocalist Lucinda Karrey was recruited for this track along with Fuki Anditi on backing vocals, the idea being to give the song an upbeat sunny vibe.
It is interesting to hear where this concept takes The Beatroot Road next.
