Foundation Stone
"An evolution in sound crossbreeding"
- KVCU-FM, Boulder CO
"This eclectic quartet blends hip hop vocals with reggae and jazz in a way that leaves no musical stone unturned."
- The Independent Weekly "Best Bets", Chapel Hill NC
"This co-ed foursome is positively dynamic, blending solid professional pedigrees with unflagging exuberance."
- Mountain Xpress - "Behind the Music", Asheville NC
"Funktastic! Rockin reggae-jazz-hop fused with positive messages, from a powerful voice"
- KTXT-FM, Lubbock TX
"Adding a vibe of positivity & contemplation to the lyrics, the group shows they are here to touch the world"
- Unspoken Word, Alameda CA
"Their grooves keep your head nodding like a bobble-head doll. Drawing from reggae, jazz and hip-hop, Foundation Stone melds the hottest genres on the scene into a smooth grooving soundscape, resulting in a fresh, melodic & undeniable flow."
- DJ Matches, Boulder CO
Foundation Stone released their second CD, "The World We Live In," in 2003, and it quickly became one of the biggest indie records to come out of Virginia. Recorded in Philadelphia by the Grammy-winning producer, David Ivory, (Erykah Badu, The Roots), the CD is distributed nationally by the Home Grown Music Network and by CD Baby.com.
Foundation Stone had great success with their self-released debut CD, "On the Updraft," selling several thousand copies at their shows alone. Released in June 2000, it met with positive reviews from critics and, along with the newer release, is played on radio stations across North America and Europe.
Singer and rhyme slinger Emily Brass ignites the vibe with wailing sax licks and her soulful voice (often compared to Sade, with a roots-rap edge). She grew up in Montreal, where at age 12 she started playing the sax, and soon after found reggae and hip-hop.
Brass' songwriting partner, Jacques Trudel, lays down the entrancing bass lines that are the backbone of Foundation Stone's sound. Grandson of the world-renowned cellist, Maurice Marechal, Jacques has played multiple instruments since he was 5 years old.
Guitarist and vocalist Ras Greg Ward is noted for his solid roots rhythm and stellar leads. His impressive resume includes having backed up reggae greats, The Abyssinans. He was a member of the reggae band, Stable Roots, for over three years, where he performed with Junior Marvin of The Wailers and Peanut of Culture. He also draws from musical styles that he developed with jazz-hippie-rock band Laughing Song and Dance and funk-rock band Earl's Loaf.
Drummer Dave Brown has drummed professionally for over 15 years, hitting the circuit with bands like 32 Leaves and the legendary funk-jazz veterans, Sonic Safari. He pours his soul into his driving beats, ranging from jazz-hop to afro-tribal to breakbeat-dancehall.
Foundation Stone often invites outstanding musicians to join them on stage. Guests have included Shayar, guitarist of Burning Spear; Samba Ngo, guitarist & lead singer of Samba Ngo & the Ngoma Players; Len Wishart, percussionist of Baaba Seth; George Penn, drummer of Jah Works & more.