Rusted Root

Nov. 2, 2008

Typically, musicians are inspired by what they hear on the radio. It serves as the foundation for the start of many a band. But for Rusted Root, listening to the radio gave them a different motivation for forming: “We just didn’t like what we were hearing, so we decided to go out and create something we did,” band members have consistently said over the years.
The Pittsburgh-based rockers whose music is “rooted” in contrasting rhythms of African percussion, harmonizing vocals, instrumental jams and socially inspired lyrics, will perform Friday night at Streeters Ground Zero Nightclub.
Their Traverse City appearance is part of Midwest tour of just a handful dates in metropolitan areas and major venues. Rusted Root has been somewhat in hiatus the past several years and will be releasing their sixth studio album Stereo Rodeo and their first since 2002 in a couple of months. The band will perform several tracks from the forthcoming CD this Friday and have released one song, “Bad Son,” on their Myspace site.
“We are getting a lot of positive feedback from fans,” said Michael Glabicki, vocalist, guitarist, founding member and primary songwriter. “But I would not judge what we are releasing based on that one song. We are definitely heading in a lot of different directions with this new CD.”
So what has taken so long between albums?
“It is called life, we all have a lot of other things going on from solo endeavors to family” said Glabicki. “Plus, we hit it pretty hard for many years after we formed.”
Liz Berlin, also an original member and vocalist points to the benefits of taking a break.
“We have been together since 1990 and we have always taken time to do other things. Sometimes it is longer than others and then we come back to the group,” said Berlin. “Our solo projects help us grow as individuals; they keep us grounded in who we are as musicians and aloe for us to return to the band with fresh perspectives.”
But not all members have taken that perspective. Vocalist Jenn Wertz also a founding member left the band in 1996, eventually rejoined and left for good a couple of years ago. “I loved my time with Rusted Root, but the band is Michael’s. He is the primary songwriter and voice and in order for my voice to be heard, I had to move on and pursue my own thing.”
The sextet has only three original members left, but for Glabicki, it is really all about the music.
“A song is an organism that grows over time and has different meanings to many different people,” said Glabicki. “My objective has always been to keep the songs at the forefront of the band.”
Glabicki’s philosophical and almost spiritual approach to his music began at the age of two when he was struck by a car and knocked unconscious. During that state an angelic being appeared to him.
“We sort of made this deal that she would remain with me and has been by my side ever since,” said Glabicki. “What I like about our band is that I might write a song and have a certain idea for it but then we start jamming and the group comes together they often come up with different ways to express the emotions of the song.”
Rusted Root has enjoyed commercial success selling millions of albums, touring with the Grateful Dead and with Robert Plant/Jimmy Page. Their 1995 song “Send Me On My Way” has appeared in several motion picture soundtracks most notably “Ice Age.”
“We have had a great run and we have been very fortunate to have shared the stage with many artists who we admired while we were growing up,” said Glabicki. “There is a sense of sadness knowing we opened for the Grateful Dead for their last concert with Jerry Garcia (he passed away a few days later), but also we were fortunate to have had the experience.”
Despite having a huge following on the jam band circuit, Rusted Root has rejected the moniker as away to define their music.
“Labeling is dangerous and limiting,” said Glabicki. “We are a band made up of individual musicians who come together collectively to create music, call it what you want but we are simply creating music that has a message.”
That message has been resonating with fans for nearly 20 years. Rusted Root will take the stage at Streeters Ground Zero Nightclub Friday November 7 with doors opening at 8 pm with Pictures & Sound and King Hippo opening. Rusted Root will debut cuts from their forthcoming CD Stereo Rodeo,weaving them within a sampling of their 18 year successful songbook. To hear a sampling of their music and their new single “Bad Son” checkout www.rustedroot.com. Tickets are selling quickly and may be purchased at streetersonline.com or calling the box office at 231-932-1300.