Welcome to ROCKHOUNDING
a new ongoing review column headed up by the elusive Al Bruting
Rusted Root, Rooted and Growing
by Al Bruting
This week saw Rusted Root at the Magic Bag celebrating their
20th year and seventh release, “The
Movement.” Through the years, the
albums and also the line up changes one thing remains consistent, Rusted Root
is a jam band. Seeing RR play live
quickly showed vocalist Liz Berlin’s stand out percussive accuracy. This talent can get missed on the album, but
is an impossible to miss reminder of
the kind of great surprises we get at a live show.
“The Movement” is
an interesting musical blend of the bands past and present. These Pittsburgh natives stay true to their
musical past while moving it foreword with a partial return to raw tribal
arrangements created by the original trio, Michael Glabicki (lead vocals,
guitars, percussion), Liz Berlin (vocals, percussion), and Patrick Norman
(bass, vocals, percussion). World beat
drummer Preach Freedom, less traditional guitarist Colter Harper and Dirk
Miller on banjo complete the current act.
Recorded by a similar lineup that turned out 2009's Stereo
Rodeo, “The Movement” picks up where
it left off and debuts Glabicki as the producer and engineer. The songs are
tight with a solid global percussion and a nice rhythmic balance brought
partially by the different playing styles of Colter and Glabicki.
The performance at the Magic Bag featured a seasoned 4 piece
group who’s years together definitely show up in a smooth execution on
stage. The rhythm section is the core of
any band and its one of the crowning jewels of the Rusted Root sound. The live show was quick to point up that Liz
Berlin is an asset beyond her vocal talent.
She steadily brandished a variety of hand held percussive instruments
including multiple maracas, Latin groove bells, a washboard and a spoon and she
knew what to do with them.
The over all highlight of the show was the versatility that
was brought into sharper view when a few of the songs were stripped down to the
basics and played as simple versions. A
good song can still be heard loud and clear in its plainest form. Rusted Root continues to craft the same sound
they originated. If you’re a current fan
or interested, want to revisit the band, check out videos, tour info or
anything else there is to see go to: