The Treasure Tones "Better Must Come" at Blue Note Hawaii, July 09, 2018

The Treasure Tones "Better Must Come" at Blue Note Hawaii, July 09, 2018

Band Members:
Sistah Roz – Lead Vocals
Aaron Friedmann – Bass
Tommy Fox – Drums
Thomas Mackay – Keyboards
Kona Askar i- Guitar
Shereen Balles – Backing Vocals

Biography
Although based in Honolulu, Hawaii, The Treasure Tones’ musical roots are firmly imbedded in the late 1960s Rocksteady sounds of Jamaica. While many proclaim that the ‘Glory Days” of Jamaican music were its Roots period of the mid to late 70’s, The Treasure Tones prefer to hearken back to a decade prior; when the “one drop” beat first took Jamaica by storm, and when the riddims that are still being revived in the Dancehall today first made their initial impact.

The Treasure Tones’ appeal is that they approach this music with required vim and vigor, coupled with the utmost respect; as visitors to a culture not their own, but one that is thoroughly revered by each member of the group. Their music is approachable, soulful, and danceable, and is sure to entertain any audience whether or not they are familiar with Rocksteady and Reggae.

The Treasure Tones cover a variety of well-known Jamaican veterans such as Delroy Wilson, Phyllis Dillon and Desmond Dekker. Yet their fondness for uncovering long forgotten gems from more obscure artists such as Albert Tomlinson and The Tonettes is the band’s forte.

To date, The Treasure Tones have opened up for LA’s own Rocksteady revivalists The Aggrolites, headlined Honolulu’s popular monthly retro night, Reggae Revive, and continue to play regularly throughout the Island of O’ahu.

The Treasure Tones are:

Sistah Roz (Lead Vocals)
Sistah Roz was born and raised on O’ahu, and grew up singing all sorts of music alongside her talented ohana (family). Roz fronted Honolulu’s retro Ska band The Sound Revolutionaries, and has toured Europe, Africa and The US Mainland providing backing vocals for Nigerian artist Iyeoka. Sistah Roz counts Doreen Shaffer and Marcia Griffiths as some of her favorite singers.

Shereen Patrice (Backing Vocals and Tambourine)
Like her sister Roz, Shereen Patrice grew up on O’ahu and gained early experience singing and playing a multitude of instruments alongside her family. Shereen is versed in various percussion instruments such as maracas, guiro and congas, and has played throughout The Island with her father’s Puerto Rican ensemble, Latino’s Escogidos. She’s also been involved with Hawaii’s arts and culture scene for many years.

Thomas “Vibez” Mackay (Piano and Organ)
Thomas Mackay is a multi-instrumentalist and music instructor who excels on keys, drums and vibraphone. Thomas’ passion for traditional Jazz led him to the sounds of old-time Jamaican Ska and Rocksteady. While residing in Oregon, he played with legendary Jamaican singer and Studio One veteran Norma Frazier, and also did stints with California’s Synergy. In addition to The Treasure Tones, Thomas leads his own Jazz outfit, The Thomas Mackay Project, and also plays vibraphone with Vibra Cubana.

Aaron “Dubalator” Friedman (Bass)
Aaron Friedman honed his chops in his native California, playing in varied groups including I World and Rizzen, and backing Junior Toots around the Bay area. Equally adept whether playing Reggae or Funk, Aaron regularly tours Europe and The US Mainland with The Quadraphonix. He also plays with Honolulu’s popular Pop-Reggae band Jookbox City.

Kona Askari (Guitar)
Kona Askari was born in French Polynesia and raised there and in California. A self-taught musician, Kona arrived in Hawaii in 1995, and his natural skills on guitar led him to play in a plethora of bands such as Natural Vibrations, B.E.T and Tempo Valley. In addition to The Treasure Tones, Kona is a member of The Mana Ma’oli Collective, and is a certified Audio Engineer, producing both Reggae and Hip Hop in his own studio.

Tommy Fox (Drums)
Tommy Fox played drums in revered rock and roll bands The Mice and The Revelers before spending five years playing percussion alongside former Time Unlimited singer Istan Black (Hugo Blackwood). In Ohio, he played drums in Umojah Nation and Riddim Fish, and has backed Jamaica’s golden voiced Milton Blake. Tommy is an avid collector of Jamaican music, and co-hosts Cleveland’s cherished Reggae radio program, “Iturnally Dread Meets Rudie’s Hi-Fi,” which has aired weekly on WCSB for nearly two decades.