New Roots presents Pica Pica, a brand new project from Radio 2 Folk Award Winner Josienne Clarke and Samantha Whates
Josienne Clarke is best known for her work with guitarist/arranger Ben Walker, winners of BBC Radio 2’s Folk Award for Best Duo, 2015 and nominees again in 2017. Later thatyear she appeared in Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Our Country’s Good at The National Theatre, performing two of her compositions in the show. She and Walker have just released their third album on the internationally renowned Rough Trade label.
Samantha Whates‘ beautifully crafted, poetic songs retain a strong affinity with her Scottish roots, cultivating a sound that is thoroughly contemporary, rooted in tradition, yet uniquely her own. Recent performances include Kings Place and the Purcell Rooms in the Royal Festival Hall. She recently released her debut Dark Nights Make For Brighter Days which has been enjoying both critical acclaim and radio play (BBC 6 Music, KCRW, Resonance FM).
Alt-folk duo Sandtimer support with a short opening set a 8.15 pm. Placing a decisive emphasis on intricate guitar lines, close vocal harmonies and sparse, Appalachian-influenced arrangements, Sandtimer released Different Seas with Folkstock Records in 2015, followed by the independently released Mackerel at the end of 2016. Both releases received extensive airplay on BBC 6Music and BBC Introducing. As a performing duo, they have toured the UK acoustic circuit frequently and, in 2016, ventured to west Canada for their first tour abroad.
£8.50 Early Bird BUY NOW / £10.00 adv BUY NOW / £12.00 door
Nearest tube Angel, 5 mins walk.
Ruth Theodore and her 4 piece band onstage at 8.00 pm/ Adam Beattie & The Consultants onstage at 9.15 pm.
Known for her quirky, insightful, poetic lyrics and insidious melodies, Ruth Theodore‘s songs – many based in her use of unconventional guitar techniques and tunings – have brought her great acclaim since the release of her 2007 debut, ‘Worm Food’. Her new album on Aveline Records saw Ruth crossing the Atlantic to collaborate with Todd Sickafoose, best known for his work with Ani DiFranco and recent producer of two award-winning albums for Anais Mitchell..Ruth travelled and played her way through California and up into Oregon to work alongside a stellar cast of musicians including organist Rob Burger (Tom Waits, Willie Nelson), percussionist Mathias Kunzli (Regina Spektor, Lauryn Hill), and violinist Jenny Scheinman (Lucinda Williams, Lou Reed). As Sickafoose notes; ‘Ruth writes alternative folk and blues music but at heart she is a pure punk San Franciscan beat poet’. In June this year she performed at the iconic London Palladium, supporting and playing alongside labelmate Ani Di Franco.
“Extraordinary” – The Guardian ★★★★
“Confident, assured and truly unique” – Fatea Magazine
“Truly original…” “Her new album’s a killer” – fRoots
“Occasionally recalling Kate Bush and Ani DiFranco, this is a beautiful, sad, wonderful LP” – MOJO ★★★★
Awarded a MOJO Top 10 Folk Album 2016
“… [an] impressive ability to excite audiences with her truly original, fascinating and thoroughly entertaining music….. a wealth of poetry, satire and pure, natural artistry. ‘Cactacus’ is a wonderful, captivating album.” – Folk Radio UK
“…songs that are full of vitality. Quirky lyrics tumble out of her in a torrent, with angular melodies and inventive settings… an excellent album of invigorating freshness and originality.” – Country Music People
“…a beautiful voice, backed it up with amazingly accomplished guitar skills, songs of substance…” “…[her] lyrics are Dylanesque in scope and skill” – Red Guitar Music
Scottish singer songwriter Adam Beattie released his fourth studio album ‘The Road Not Taken’ in May 2016 with a sell-out show at Hoxton Hall in London and a UK-wide tour. The album’s minor ballads and moody blues with a dark twist draw upon the broad influences of Celtic folk, American blues, country and early jazz balladry. Beattie’s beautiful melodies combine with thoughtful lyrics to tackle themes of life, love, death and hope. His exquisite voice and intricate guitar work fuse and envelop you like a warm hug. His beautifully accessible songs are supported and extended into adventurous, thrilling new shapes by his extraordinary band ‘The Consultants’, featuring piano, guitar, double bass and drums. In December 2016 he was invited by long time fan Mark Rylance to perform at a Stop The War Coalition evening alongside Jeremy Corbyn and Brian Eno.
“Carefully crafted…affecting songwriting with a dark twist” – Roddy Hart, BBC RADIO SCOTLAND
“I’m blown away by that man’s voice” – Frank Hennessy, Celtic Heartbeat, BBC RADIO WALES
“Not a single word is wasted, unnecessary or throwaway…very impressive.”
FATEA MAGAZINE
“Warmly Intoxicating” – FROOTS MAGAZINE
“Stands out as one of the rare few whose music has the depth to match the bohemian image” Evening Express, Aberdeenshire
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Doors open 7.30 pm, nearest tube Angel, 5 mins walk.
Early Bird tickets £8.50 BUYNOW / Adv tickets £10.00 BUY NOW / Door £12.00
Jack Cheshire brings his 4 piece band to New Roots at The Old Queens Head. His contemporary alt-folk sound with a post-rock twist has led him to share bills with luminary peers Songhoy Blues and Josh T Pearson, and grace the stages of The Green Man Festival and Kings Place. The ghosts of Nick Drake and Syd Barrett skirt the edges of his songs, embellished by what Uncut magazine calls an ‘Ian McCulloch-style croon’, with a ‘burnished psychedelia [that] takes this music to the skies’. He released his 2017 album “Black Light Theatre’ to universal press and radio acclaim, making fans of 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne and Tom Robinson along the way.
‘Elegant…emotive…psychedelic…’ ✭✭✭✭ Mojo
‘…exquisite…dreamlike and beautiful..gets right under your skin‘. ✭✭✭✭ James Delingpole, The Sunday Telegraph
‘…beautiful stuff…An artist crying out for a bigger audience.’ The Sunday Times
‘…gorgeous and mind bending…really, really beautiful’ Lauren Laverne BBC 6 Music
‘…imbued with remarkable depth.‘ Clash
‘..a burnished psychedelia creeps into the mix and takes this music to the skies.‘ Uncut
‘Exotic…extraordinary…’ Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music
‘…mesmerising..’ John Kennedy XFM
‘…majestic’ Louder Than War
A rising star on the London folk scene, American singer-songwriter Robert Chaney counts Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams and Judee Sill as influences. A remarkable songwriter with a voice to send shivers down your spine, sown deep into his songs are threads of the dusty blues of the 20s and 30s, pulp noir tales of the 40s, the cable-knit folk revival of the 50s, and the French celluloid new wave of the 60s. His recently released debut album ‘Cracked Picture Frames’ garnered high praise in the music press, with Folk Radio UK making it their featured album of the month.
‘Sharp, intelligent, thoughtful and moving’ Folk Radio UK
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
MG Boulter is a singer and songwriter living on the coast of the Thames Estuary, England. Releasing his debut album in Spring 2012 under the name The Whispering Pines, Boulter has been an integral member of leading UK Americana band The Lucky Strikes since 2007, starting out on bass before switching to guitar and vocals, as well as penning much of their material. Since accompanying Simone Felice (The Felice Brothers) on various dates including a prestigious Green Man Festival headline set in 2011, Matthew has become a full member of The Simone Felice Band, touring the US and UK, also opening shows as solo performer. As a much sought after pedal steel and guitar player he has also worked with Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Mumford & Sons, and is currently touring in Emily Portman’s Coracle Band and Blue Rose Code.
“Gorgeous, in a word” ★ ★ ★ ★ Uncut
“Highly Recommended” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Independent on Sunday
“Lovely.. ” ★ ★ ★ ★ Mojo
“Brings freshness to songwriting” ★ ★ ★ ★ Telegraph
“The best of 2016, no contest” ★ ★ ★ ★ The Morning Star
Genevieve Dawson is a singer songwriter originally from Edinburgh, now based in South-East London. She is currently studying composition at Goldsmiths University of London, following in the footsteps of esteemed alumni of James Blake and Rosie Lowe. She brings together a frank lyrical style with a warmth and soulfulness that inhabits the same alt-folk terrain as Laura Marling and Ani DiFranco.
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Ned Roberts releases his new single “Angel Station’ from his new album ‘Outside My Mind’. Released on Aveline Records, home to Ruth Theodore, and Ani Di Franco in the UK, it was recorded in L.A. with producer Luther Russell (Noah & The Whale/ Sarabeth Tucek/ Ethan Johns). Ned’s two albums to date have met with critical acclaim, making fans along the way of Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Gideon Coe, and Huey Morgan at the BBC, and receiving high praise from the national press. A wonderful live performer, he has toured the UK, Europe and the US extensively, playing with Anais Mitchell, Joe Pug, Micah P. Hinson and The Delines across his travels, and recording live sessions for BBC Radio London and Radio 2 (Bob Harris).
‘Absolutely gorgeous stuff…one to really get excited about’ – Lauren Laverne, BBC 6Music
‘A warm treat…his melodies reminiscent of Leonard Cohen with lyrical nods to Bob Dylan, and his voice has echoes of Tim Hardin’ ★★★★ The Guardian
‘A splendid debut…a beautiful record’ – Gideon Coe, BBC 6Music
‘so gifted, possessing a fine ear for a tune and a real knack for storytelling..stunning’. 8/10 – UNCUT
‘An understated gem’ – The Independent on Sunday
‘A beautiful voice that brings faded emotions back to the surface. I’m a sucker for a good storyteller.’ – Jody Stephens, Big Star/Golden Smog
‘A lovely lilting voice that recalls a trans-Atlantic Nick Drake… requires replaying constantly’ – Rough Trade
‘Absolutely fantastic, softly spoken and considered’ – Roddy Hart, BBC Radio Scotland
A consummate songwriter and superbly accomplished folk player and singer, Lucy Kitt‘s creative soul looks west across the Atlantic. Laurel Canyon giants Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and the UK’s great Sandy Denny are signposts in her style- her perfectly crafted songwriting shows a crystal clear vision with rock solid foundations strong enough to take such weighty references. Lucy has supported a host of musical talent over the last few years, including Cara Dillon, Turin Brakes, The Unthanks, Pete Mollinari and Nick Mulvey. Major UK festival slots have included Cambridge Folk Festival, The Isle of Wight Festival, Secret Garden Party, and Lounge on the Farm, and she featured on this year’s prestigious Glastonbury Acoustic Stage.
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Firefly Burning are a 5-piece ensemble from North East London creating impressionistic music – part art-folk song, part minimalist chamber music. Evoking sounds of Sufjan Stevens, Steve Reich and Kate Bush, the band draws on avant-pop, experimental folk, classical minimalism and Javanese Gamelan to ‘paint sound pictures and take the audience in myriad directions at will’ (For Folks Sake). With ecclectic tastes and a background in free improvisation, their music encompasses strings, piano, synthesiser, electric guitar and gamelan, centred on close vocal harmonies that echo William Byrd and The Beach Boys.
The release of their second album ‘Skeleton Hill’ in 2015 garnered critical success for it’s rich tapestry and originality. Borne out of a two year collaboration with legendary producer Tim Friese-Greene (Talk Talk), the album unites their adventurous poetic spirit with a direct, pop sensibility.
‘imaginative, original hybrid sound..both richly intriguing and subtle, a neat tapestry that is a joy to unravel’ ★★★★ MusicOHM
‘strange but soaring, dense but addictive…ideal for anybody who wishes Kate Bush were a bit more arty or Steve Reich were a lot more folky’ ★★★★ The Times
‘fresh, original and often audacious…old and futuristic at the same time’ ★★★★ MOJO Magazine
‘Flecks of Gentle Giant, Joni Mitchell and Fleet Foxes…a contemporary folk album with art-prog leanings: if Bjork got into ‘The Wicker Man’ it’s be almost as unintentionally spooky as this…Cleansing.’ Prog Magazine
‘vital and indefinable’ For Folks Sake
‘Quirky, challenging and innovative music…uncompromising in their bold and stark musical vision.’ Bright Young Folk
‘utterly hypnotic…intoxicating, beautiful and affirming’ Matchbox Magazine
Folk trio Counter’s Creek make original roots music inspired by the folk music of the Britain and Ireland, jigs and reels from Eastern Europe and rhythms from West Africa, all rooted in a strong melodic sensibility with closely interwoven harmonies allied to a real sense of swing and dance energy.
Fiddle, banjo and mandolin player Tom Newell is known for his work with Effra, The Ceilidh Liberation Front, Alex Mendham & His Orchestra and pop acts including Muse and Lana Del Rey. Guitarist Moss Freed plays with jazz/folk group Flekd, the Spike Orchestra, and has recently recorded for John Zorn’s Tzadik label. Whistle player Jonathan Taylor, best known as a jazz pianist, has played with Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Ruby Turner and a host of British jazz luminaries. He’s also co-founder of Tango Siempre, and has worked as an arranger for Robert Wyatt. Counter’s Creek are three much respected musicians from very different backgrounds, united by a love of the finest in roots music, firing tunes and earthy dance grooves.
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Benedict Benjamin is Ben Rubinstein, formerly of The Mariner’s Children and Peggy Sue (Wichita Records). His debut album ‘Night Songs’ is a collection of timeless compositions recorded in a series of churches, bedrooms and kitchens across London and Kent with producer Dan Blackett (Landshapes, Bella Union). Ben is first and foremost a classic songwriter, his wonderfully cinematic songs shot through with the heartbreaking swoon of Roy Orbison, the soothing harmonies of the Everly Brothers and the honesty of Jeff Tweedy. His darkly romantic music undercuts the dreamlike beauty of early 60s pop with lyrics frank and poetic, taking you to a David Lynch-like world that makes the heart swell and the head spin. His plays tonight with his full band a s a warm-up for the prestigious Green Man Festival.
A rising star on the London folk scene, American singer-songwriter Robert Chaney counts Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams and Judee Sill as influences. A remarkable songwriter with a voice to send shivers down your spine, sown deep into his songs are threads of the dusty blues of the 20s and 30s, pulp noir tales of the 40s, the cable-knit folk revival of the 50s, and the French celluloid new wave of the 60s. His recently released debut album ‘Cracked Picture Frames’ garnered high praise in the music press, with Folk Radio UK making it their featured album of the month.
‘Sharp, intelligent, thoughtful and moving’ (Folk Radio UK)
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Doors open 7.00 pm. Nearest tube Farringdon 3 mins walk/ Blackfriars 5 mins walk
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN ADVANCE BOOKING ONLY CONCERT, THERE WILL BE NO DOOR SALES AVAILABLE ON THE NIGHT OF THE PERFORMANCE.
New Roots presents a unique concert in a unique venue. The sublime musicians of Indian fusion act Flux and percussion master Bernhard Schimpelsberger (Talvin Singh/ Nitin Sawhney/ Anoushka Shankar) perform in a strikingly atmospheric candle-lit, theatre-style stone arch in the tunnel vaults of Holborn Viaduct for what promises to be a spectacular meeting of contemporary roots and world music. The venue is attached to a beautiful wine, whiskey and craft beer bar, open to concert ticket holders only.
Bernhard Schimpelsberger grew up in Austria deeply rooted in Jazz and Western classical music. It was his dedicated years of studies in India, however, which shaped his unique approach to rhythm and music. Under the tutelage of Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, one of the legendary Tabla masters of the age, Bernhard immersed himself in the Indian rhythmic system and incorporated its poetry and intricacy into his Western oriented music making.
Percussionist and acclaimed composer Schimpelsberger has toured the globe performing with legendary artists Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney, Akram Khan, Talvin Singh, Susheela Raman and his own group Circle of Sound. (feat Soumik Datta) . In 2016 he travelled for 10 weeks across Europe, initiating 10 world premiere collaborations. Some of Bernhard’s findings, short stories and musical anecdotes from this creative adventure will be incorporated into his performance this evening.
Featuring violinist Preetha Narayanan, trained in both Western classical and Indian carnatic violin, accomplished producer Shammi Pithia on bansuri flute and cajon -Pithia’s solo album ‘Cosmic’ reached no.1 on the iTunes World Music Chart – and experienced musical director, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Michael Goodey (Plan B, Kelly Le Roc) on piano and guitar, Flux fuse elements of Indian and Western classical music, folk, and urban styles to create a stunningly widescreen, cinematic sound. Their combination of virtuosic musicianship and dynamic arrangements creates a truly spectacular live show- live highlights for the band include Glastonbury Festival, London Southbank Centre, Kings Place, The National Portrait Gallery, The Great Escape and the Indig02.
The Lords Of Thyme are traditionally English folk in the way that Pentangle or Fotheringay were traditionally English folk, but also in the same way that Julian Cope undoubtedly is. A hazy, blissed out, ancient and modern country of the strangest imaginations. Joe Woolley, Tali Trow and Pat Kenneally first played together as part of Michael Tyack’s compellingly odd ensemble Circulus before forming The Lords Of Thyme with Michelle Griffiths of the progressive Morris dance side The Belles Of London City. The band’s debut 7” single, which paired the Scottish ballad Proud Maisre with an original song of Joe’s called If I Was A Bird was mixed by the legendary John Wood, best known for recording the likes of Nick Drake, John Martyn and The Incredible String Band. That first release impressed fRootsMagazine enough to include them in a cover feature on outsider folk artists that also launched the careers of Stick In The Wheel, Mishaped Pearls and Lynched.
The group’s leader Joe was introduced to folk music by the iconic guitar innovator Davey Graham’s sister Jill Doyle. Jill added to his obsession with blues and jazz by playing him classic recordings by Jeannie Robertson and Bert Lloyd. Furthering their connection to old wyrd England, The Lords Of Thyme were invited to contribute to the Shirley Collins Inspired tribute album – recording a version of Hares On The Mountain with 60s folk legend Bonnie Dobson on a record that also features Graham Coxon and Bonnie Prince Billy. When you hear The Lords Of Thyme you know exactly where they’re coming from. Even if you couldn’t point to it on a map.
“With such a promising debut single the Lords of Thyme are a band really worth following.” – Alex Gallacher, Folk Radio UK
“A dreamlike sound that can only be described as traditionally English.” – Daithi Sabhaois, Shindig! Issue 39
“It’s the Woolley originals that offer the most promise, from The Trembling Bells play Sam Cooke Hammond textures of Moment To Moment, the decidedly Hot Vultures English blues-with-a-fiddle of World In A Tangle, to the John Martynesque If I Was A Bird.” – Steve Hunt, fRoots
“A sheer delight.” -. Rock and Reel
“Extemely Lovely Stuff” – Nathan Ford, The Active Listener
Chris Brambley’s haunting, graceful songs are rooted in the folk tradition. With a clear nod to the folk revival styles of Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and Davy Graham, they are at the same time wholly contemporary interpretations of the genre. His newly released ‘Aperture E.P’ shares common ground with such modern day folk innovators as Fionn Regan and Nick Mulvey. He augments his sound tonight with a four piece band.
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
Doors open 7.00 pm, nearest tube Camden, 3 mins walk.
Tickets £9.00 adv BUY NOW / £10.00 door
Ned Roberts releases his new single “Angel Station’ from his new album ‘Outside My Mind’. Released on Aveline Records, home to Ruth Theodore, and Ani Di Franco in the UK, it was recorded in L.A. with producer Luther Russell (Noah & The Whale/ Sarabeth Tucek/ Ethan Johns). Ned’s two albums to date have met with critical acclaim, making fans along the way of Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Gideon Coe, and Huey Morgan at the BBC, and receiving high praise from the national press. A wonderful live performer, he has toured the UK, Europe and the US extensively, playing with Anais Mitchell, Joe Pug, Micah P. Hinson and The Delines across his travels, and recording live sessions for BBC Radio London and Radio 2 (Bob Harris).
‘Absolutely gorgeous stuff…one to really get excited about’ – Lauren Laverne, BBC 6Music
‘A warm treat…his melodies reminiscent of Leonard Cohen with lyrical nods to Bob Dylan, and his voice has echoes of Tim Hardin’ ★★★★ The Guardian
‘A splendid debut…a beautiful record’ – Gideon Coe, BBC 6Music
‘so gifted, possessing a fine ear for a tune and a real knack for storytelling..stunning’. 8/10 – UNCUT
‘An understated gem’ – The Independent on Sunday
‘A beautiful voice that brings faded emotions back to the surface. I’m a sucker for a good storyteller.’ – Jody Stephens, Big Star/Golden Smog
‘A lovely lilting voice that recalls a trans-Atlantic Nick Drake… requires replaying constantly’ – Rough Trade
‘Absolutely fantastic, softly spoken and considered’ – Roddy Hart, BBC Radio Scotland
A consummate songwriter and superbly accomplished folk player and singer, Lucy Kitt‘s creative soul looks west across the Atlantic. Laurel Canyon giants Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and the UK’s great Sandy Denny are signposts in her style- her perfectly crafted songwriting shows a crystal clear vision with rock solid foundations strong enough to take such weighty references. Lucy has supported a host of musical talent over the last few years, including Cara Dillon, Turin Brakes, The Unthanks, Pete Mollinari and Nick Mulvey. Major UK festival slots have included Cambridge Folk Festival, The Isle of Wight Festival, Secret Garden Party, and Lounge on the Farm, and she featured on this year’s prestigious Glastonbury Acoustic Stage.
New Roots is committed to promoting events that shine a light on up and coming talent in the UK alt-folk scene. It’s committed to providing artists with an environment that is sympathetic to what they do, giving musicians the respect they and their music deserves – for this reason we ask for no talking and no use of mobile phones while artists are performing. Our music policy comes from the kitchen table, the roots of public performance- intimate, acoustic based, high quality musicianship with as little interference between performer and listener as possible.
New Roots 