During a telephone press conference earlier yesterday, original Roots members Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson  and emcee Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter (vocals) discussed more details about their move to late night and what it all means for The Roots fans and the group’s future.  As we’ve discussed, the Grammy Award winning group will become the house band for “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” when the show debuts on NBC March 2.

 ”This isn’t the end of a sentence. It’s just another step; time for another challenge,”  ?uestlove said.  “This will show that there is absolutely no challenge or obstacle we can’t master. It’s just part of the ongoing, linear voyage of The Roots.”

THE NEXT ALBUM

While fans are excited about the opportunity to see the Roots five nights a week, there still is apprehension about the groups recording and touring future.  Although the group began working on its next album a couple of weeks ago both ?uesto and Though say they probably won’t get knee-deep into the recording process until the group is settled with the show.  However they have tentative plans are to release an album this year.

TOURING

As for touring, the Roots have said they will continue to tour and perform weekend shows with the band already booked during the show’s scheduled six weeks hiatus.

LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON

In addition, the Phily based band has been commuting the 90 mile ride each day to New York on a tour bus a place far too familiar for ?uesto who has been touring for 17 years.  After the long ride, the group reportedly has been working as much as 18 hour days rehearsing in preparation for the show.  They’ve developed songs ranging from rock, disco, soul, hip-hop and what Thompson describes as “cheesy ’80s pop. We’re probably the most over-prepared group in hip-hop. We just like to make certain we’re well covered.”

In addition to traditional late night bumper music to take the show to the break, The Roots will use their versatility to provide live back up for musical guests like Ludacris who is scheduled to appear in the show’s opening week.  The collaborations, as we have seen with Jay-Z’s unplugged album can and undoubtedly will become die-hard fan collectibles and treats for the TiVo and iPod.

However the group’s participation may not just be limited to providing the soundtrack.  Black Though hinted that the group is open to actively participate in skits.

“There are a few things we’re trying to work out now that might be established as recurring bits,” he said.  “None of the Roots members object to taking part in any of that. We’re totally open to working our new routines and establishing things on our own.”

So there you have it Roots fanatics…present company included.  Weeoof! what a schedule these boys are keeping.  If you’ve ever owned a Roots album or seen the group perform, you know they put their all into every ounce of what they do.  So while I’m excited I wonder how long this insane schedule will last.