Reggae band Creation Roots have become a big hit 15 years after they formed - but in the unlikeliest places.

The Bradford-based group are going down a storm in Italy and Croatia, two regions not noted for their natty dread sounds.

Bass player Gerry Musgrave said: "Our latest CD is really popular on the main reggae radio station in Milan and one track is doing really well in the charts that they compile."

The song, Trodding, is at number four in the latest Top 15 Singles put together by Radio Punto.

"It's done on popularity and the number of requests they get," Musgrave said. "We have had a really good response everywhere we have sent it. It's really nice for us. Most of the other people in the chart are big names from Jamaica like Bounty Killer."

The four-track promotional CD, which is a taster for their forthcoming album, has also received heavy radio airplay in another unlikely reggae stronghold, Croatia.

DJ Sinisa Vein, who recently interviewed Musgrave live on Radio Student in Zagreb, said: "The four tunes have received a more than positive reaction from Croatian audiences, no matter which song I've played in the last few weeks."

Creation Roots have been together for more than 15 years but this is their biggest success so far.

The band, who rehearse at the MAPA centre in West Bowling, have recently slimmed down to a seven-piece after losing a percussionist and trumpeter.

As well as Musgrave, their line-up features Frank Arthur on drums, Christo Fontaine on keyboards, Colin McFarlane on guitar, Ras G on saxophone, Gerry's sister Belinda on backing vocals and Levi Gordon, lead vocals.

Their new, nine-track album was recorded at ARIWA in London. "It's the best production we've ever done because we did it with a guy called the Mad Professor," Musgrave said. "The studios around Bradford tend to be mainly used by rock bands but he is a reggae engineer and the sound is great."

Creation Roots have their own record label called Graphics but have now linked up with the London-based company Jet Star and hope to release the album, entitled Troddin', around Easter.

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