by RICKY JORDAN SQUARE ONE is no more. The 17-year-old musical group which went on sabbatical two months ago, has disbanded and reformed itself with fewer members, under the title Square Roots. Reliable sources informed the DAILY NATION yesterday that the former soca ambassadors who lost livewire lead vocalist Alison Hinds at the end of last year, now had a new name and "a fresh new style". According to sources, Square Roots contains five previous members of Square One: vocalist Andy Blood Armstrong who leads the new band, musical director and keyboardist Terry Arthur, vocalist Cecil O'Shaka Riley, and female vocalist Keann Walters. Bassist Paul Slater is expected to join Square Roots after completing an assignment on a cruiseliner. One source said the band would be boosted by young musicians performing from time to time. "The group is redefining excellence in entertainment," said one source, noting that Square Roots had been working in the studio on an album for Crop-Over 2005. Stating there was much buzz and hype surrounding the "new" band with the release of a single track called Numero Uno, the group is slated to release its members in a grand way for Crop-Over which swings into action with the July 9 Opening Gala. It is also carded to release a reggae single featuring top Jamaican artistes. Notably absent from Square Roots are keyboardist George Jones and drummer Winston Beckles, founding members of Square One. The band is reported to be booked under an entity called Special Mix Management, and did tours outside the Caribbean recently under its new name. Leader Armstrong declined to comment on the issue Tuesday, referring the DAILY NATION to "management"; while manager Patrick Cobham could not be reached. Beckles said neither he nor Jones were officially informed of these changes, but both wanted what was due to them as founders. They have retained attorneys and filed an injunction against use of the name Square One. "It's one thing to know about the sabbatical, whatever that is, but another to realise the name has changed and I've not been informed," said Jones.
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