Jam Central Station 2.11.12: Rusted Root
Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 02.11.2012
90's word music jammers take the stage!
Hey all. Hope you had a fun Super Bowl weekend last weekend. I missed a lot of the game for MuckleBuck practice, but it was worth it. Show coming up on the 18th, and then a pair of big shows coming up after that. You'll hear all about them, I promise. I also got to see an amazing Cornmeal show last weekend, which you will all hopefully read about next week (and, if you followed Jam Central Station on Facebook you already knew that). Anyways, on with this week's JCS!
Just as grunge was peaking and starting to fall away in the early to mid 90's, there was a sort of "new wave" of jam band popularity that rose up. There was a pretty great variety of influences that were included. The Black Crowes, The Dave Matthews Band, Spin Doctors, Phish, and Blues Traveler were all finding their niche and gaining popularity. It was a great time for bands with unique sounds. Coming out of Pittsburgh, Rusted Root was one of the most unique and original bands to come out of that time, and they produced one of the most memorable hits of the era. they brought to the table a percussive influence that was almost completely unique in popular music at the time. They brought percussion and world music into the mainstream, even if just for a moment
Like many bands in the early 90's, Rusted Root got their start on college radio. They formed in 1990 and released their independent debut in 1991. With bands like Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, and the Dave Matthews Band all starting to receive mainstream radio play, labels were looking for new artists that would appeal to the same demographic. With their energetic live shows and accessible yet quirky songwriting, Rusted Root was in a strong position for success. They gained a small following with their independent release, but the music scene was pretty ripe for a band like Rusted Root to break through. It didn't take long for the band to get on a national label for their second album.
When I Woke ended up being both a breakthrough and the highpoint for the band. Their success was launched with the massive appeal of "Send Me On My Way," a single that was everywhere for the band. It was played on basically ever radio station, and found its way onto TV, into movies, and even into commercials. The second single from the album, "Ecstacy" was also a success, although not nearly to the level of "Send Me On My Way." The album was certified platinum and got favorable reviews from the industry.
The success of When I Woke also threw the band into the national touring circuit. The band had the opportunity to tour with legends and up and coming stars. They played shows with The Grateful Dead, Santana, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, The Allman Brothers, and Dave Matthews Band, as well as securing a spot on the HORDE Tour. Not all of these shows were a good fit (Zepplin fans especially weren't sure what to make of Rusted Root), but they were able to show that they could hold their own with their peers and even with some legends.
Despite only two years between When I Woke and Remember, the band's follow-up album wasn't able to garner nearly the same level of popular support. The album was well-reviewed, but it seemed that, in the interval between the two albums, popular music had moved on and was no longer interested in the percussive world music flair of Rusted Root. Michael Glabicki became basically the sole musical influence for the band, and there was a turnover of members around this time as well. Their self-titled fourth album suffered a similar fate, and the band was back to touring small clubs by the end of the 90's.
The band took a hiatus after Rusted Root to work on solo projects. Many of the members went on to release solo albums, with drummer Jim Donovan getting the most critical acclaim for his work. At this point it would've been easy for the band to simply fade away, but they regrouped in 2002 for Welcome To My Party. While there was a little more full-band participation in the writing process, long time fans weren't happy with the more pop-oriented sound of the album. The band released a live album in 2004, but then again faded back into their solo projects.
After a 7 year gap, the band released another studio album in 2009. Stereo Rodeo featured another revamped lineup but a more traditional Rusted Root sound. The band hit the road in earnest, and has been touring regularly ever since. The band has performed on the undercard of plenty of large festivals and has taken higher billing on small regional shows. They continue to add their solo work around their Rusted Root albums, which helps the band keep their creative juices flowing.
It's a testament to their hard work and love of music that Rusted Root has continued for more than two decades. It would've been easy for the band to call it quits in the 90's and again after Welcome To My Party, but they always seem to come back together. They've made peace with the fact that they haven't broken into the big time, and they genuinely appear happy to be playing clubs and intimate shows for their fans. Many bands couldn't make it out of the 90's successfully, but Rusted Root has found a way to perservere. After more than 20 years, Rusted Root continues to please old fans and bring in new ones with each show.
Hangout Festival announces lineup
Last week it was announced that Jack White will be one of the headliners at the third Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, AL. Well the rest of the lineup has been rounded out this week. Joining Jack White as headliners this year are the Dave Matthews Band and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Other artists on the lineup include the String Cheese Incident, Wilco, Dispatch, STS9, The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Steve Winwood, Gogol Bordello, Dawes, Flogging Molly, Shpongle, G. Love and Special Sauce, and many many others. It's really a great mix of rock and jam music, and it's the only festival on the beach!
Summer Camp Additions and Late Night
This year's Summer Camp festival added a 90's stalwart to their lineup. The originators of the Lollapalooza festival, Jane's Addiction, will be on the already-packed bill. The festival also announced late-night performances from Les Claypool, Gigantic Underground Conspiracy, and Pretty Lights. Late-night shows require an extra ticket, and should be purchased soon in order not to miss out.
Dark Star Orchestra to host Jam in the Sand
Dark Star Orchestra will host their first ever Jamaican event in 2013. Jam in the Sand will take place in Negril, Jamaica at the Breeze Grand Resort from March 1-5, 2013. In addition to DSO, Keller Williams will perform three shows as well. Look for DSO to mix it up from different eras of the Dead, and look for Keller to bring a variety of his personas to the festival.
Lineup for River Romp announced
The River Romp festival will take place from June 28-30 at Arrowhead Campgrounds in Grassy, MO. The event will feature Yonder Mountain String Band as well as Cornmeal, Hot Buttered Rum, Split Lip Rayfield, and many others.
Umphrey's McGee announce UMBowl III
Umphrey's McGee used this year's Super Bowl to announce their third UMBowl. This four-set special show will take place on April 27 at West Park in Chicago. No word yet what the four "quarters" of the show will entail.
Greensky Bluegrass announce tour
Greensky Bluegrass announced a lengthy tour this week. The band, already on tour, will stay on the road through April heading into festival season. During that time they'll head all over the country through shows.
Feb 12 Crested Butte, CO—Center for the Arts W
Feb 14 Aspen, CO—Belly Up Aspen
Feb 15 Breckenridge, CO—Three 20 South
Feb 17 Jackson, WY—Mangy Moose
Feb 18 Big Sky, MT—Big Sky, Big Grass
Feb 19 Big Sky, MT—Big Sky, Big Grass
Feb 21 Missoula, MT—Top Hat
Feb 22 Ketchum, ID—Whiskey Jacque's
Feb 23 Boise, ID—Reef
Feb 24 Bend, OR—Domino Room
Feb 25 Bellevue, WA—Wintergrass
Feb 28 Arcata, CA—Humboldt Brews
Feb 29 Mill Valley, CA—Sweetwater Music Hall
Mar 02 Honolulu, HI—The Arts at Marks Garage
Mar 03 Paia, Maui—Charley's
Mar 07 Santa Cruz, CA—Moe's Alley
Mar 09 San Francisco, CA—The Fillmore
Mar 10 Grass Valley, CA—The Center for the Arts
Mar 13 Phoenix, AZ—The Compound Grill
Mar 15 Austin, TX—SxSW
Mar 20 New Orleans, LA—Chickie Wah Wah
Mar 21 Birmingham, AL—Zydeco
Mar 22 Macon, GA—Cox Capitol Theatre
Mar 23 Live Oak, FL—Suwannee Springfest
Mar 25 Charleston, SC—The Pour House
Mar 27 Atlanta, GA—Smith's Olde Bar
Mar 28 Athens, GA—Georgia Theatre
Mar 29 Charlotte, NC—Double Door Inn
Mar 30 Raleigh, NC—The Pour House
Mar 31 Asheville, NC—Ashevile Music Hall
Apr 01 Nashville, TN—12th & Porter
Apr 19 Seattle, WA—Showbox at the Market
Apr 21 Austin, TX—Old Settler's Music Festival
Apr 29 Indio, CA—Stagecoach Music Festival
May 27 Chillicothe, IL—Summer Camp Music Festival
Jun 22 Telluride, CO—Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Jun 28 Owensboro, KY—ROMP Bluegrass Roots and Branches Festival
Aug 09 North Plains, OR—Northwest String Summit
Sep 02 Mather, CA—Strawberry Music Festival Camp
Jam in the Dam
March 14-16, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Jam in the Dam returns! 2012's lineup includes moe., Mike Gordon, Dark Star Orchestra, Lotus, and Keller Williams. Each artist will play each a full set each night. Tickets are available!!
Suwannee Springfest
March 23-25, 2012
Suwannee Music Park
Live Oak, FL
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Duo, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Hot Buttered Rum, Infamous Stringdusters, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others. Tickets are available now!
Ultra Music Festival
March 23-25, 2012
Bayfront Park
Miami, FL
Performers include: Tiesto, New Order, Kraftwerk, Justice, Fatboy Slim, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Afrojack, Big Gigantic, and many others.
Mighty High Mountain Fest
May 18-20, 2012
Tuxedo Ridge
Tuxedo, NY
Performers include: Dark Star Orchestra (3 nights), Railroad Earth (2 nights), Cornmeal, and others to be announced.
Hangout Festival
May 18-20, 2012
Gulf Shores, AL
Performers include: The Dave Matthews Band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White, STS9, The Flaming Lips, The String Cheese Incident, Wilco, Dispatch, Gogol Bordello, Steve Winwood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, G. Love and Special Sauce, Shpongle, and many others.
Summer Camp Summer Camp
May 25-27, 2012
Three Sisters Park
Chillicothe, IL
Performers include-Three sets each from event hosts moe. and Umphrey's McGee. Other artists announced include Janes Addiction, Primus, Gogol Bordello, The Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, Jackie Greene Acoustic Trio, Flogging Molly, Cornmeal, Victor Wooten, Greensky Bluegrass, and Hot Buttered Rum.
Festi di Bella Fiora
May 25-27, 2012
Harmony Park
Geneva, MN
Performers include: Primus, Weir, Robinson, and Greene Acoustic Trio, EOTO, Big Gigantic, and others.
Spring Hookahville
May 25-27, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Performers include: Multiple sets of ekoostik hookah, Gov't Mule, Yonder Mountain String Band, Blue Moon Soup, Oakhurst, and others.
Sasquatch! Festival
May 25-28, 2012
The Gorge
George, WA
Performers include: Jack White, Beck, Pretty Lights, Girl Talk, Beats Antique, Tenacious D, The Head & The Heart, and many others
Mountain Jam
May 31-June 3, 2012
Hunter Mountain, NY
Performers Incude: Gov't Mule, Steve Winwood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Roots, Ben Folds Five, The Word, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and many others.
Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Performers include: Pretty Lights, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters and others.
Bonnaroo
June 7-10, 2012
Manchester, TN
No news on artists yet, and super-early-bird tickets are sold out.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21-24, 2011
Telluride, CO
Performers for the 39th annual festival include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Punch Brothers, Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others.
Governor's Ball
June 23-24, 2011
Randall's Island
New York, NY
River Romp
June 28-30
Arrowhead Campgrounds
Grassy, MO
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Cornmeal, Hot Buttered Rum, Split Lip Rayfield, and others
Electric Forest Festival
June 28-July 1, 2012
Double JJ Ranch and Resort
Rothbury, MI
Performers include The String Cheese Incident (3 shows), STS9 (2 shows), Bassnectar, Theivery Corp., Girl Talk, Ghostland Observatory, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Travelin' McCoury's featuring Keller Williams, Big Gigantic, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, EOTO, Das Racist, and many more
High Sierra Music Festival
July 5-8, 2012
Quincy, CA
Camp Bisco XI
July 12-14, 2012
Indian Lookout Country Club
Mariaville, NY
Forecastle Festival
July 13-15, 2012
Waterfront Park
Louisville, KY
My Morning Jacket will headline and curate the event.
All Good
July 19-22, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Gathering of the Vibes
July 19-22, 2012
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Floyd Fest
July 26-29, 2012
Lover's Rock
Floyd, VA
Performers include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Galactic, Punch Brothers, Toubab Krewe, Drew Emmitt Band, and many others.
Newport Folk Festival
July 28-29, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Newport Jazz Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Lollapalooza
August 3-5, 2012
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
Fall Hookahville
August 23-25
Frontier Ranch
Pataskala, OH
Camp Barefoot
August 23-26, 2012
Camp Hidden Meadows
Bartow, WV
Performers include: Zach Deputy, Brothers Past, The Motet, Euforquesta, That 1 Guy, and others. Headliners yet to be announced.
The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival
September 20-23, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Jam in the Sand
March 1-5, 2013
Breezes Grand Resort
Negril, Jamaica
Dark Star Orchestra's first Jamaican event. This event will feature multiple DSO shows as well as three Keller Williams sets and other activities.
Thanks for hanging out as always. You can always find more Jam Central Station on Facebook and Twitter. Until next week, Jam On!
