Two days after Christmas, The Paramount in Huntington, NY featured a line-up for those with a broader sense of spirituality than that found in a traditional church setting. Known for providing the background music for the transcendent, often drug-abetted experiences of their fans, jam band Rusted Root offered their unusual blend of Alternative Rock and World Music to an eager audience. Playing in support of their most recent studio release, The Movement, the band was just finishing up their fall tour which concluded with a New Year’s Eve show at The Rapids Theatre at Niagara Falls. Supported by openers Oogee Wawa and Gedeon Luke and The People, The Paramount was full of spectators ready to unwind with music as their release from the stress of the holiday season.
Like the headliners, Oogee Wawa is a group that cannot be defined by one particular genre. Citing influences like Sublime, Eminem, and NOFX, the four piece (Jesse Lee on lead vocals, guitarist JP, bassist Chad, and drummer Nick) combines elements of Rock, Reggae, and Hip-Hop to create a sound all their own. Despite being the opening act on a three-band bill, the Long Island natives played to a nice-sized crowd, which continued to grow as people entered the venue. Those already familiar with the band were eager to sing along as Lee got down on one knee and held the mic out to the crowd. With their buoyant sound and attitude, Oogee Wawa had everyone in the crowd on their feet and dancing, establishing a carefree and upbeat mood that would last throughout the night.
Appearing next was Memphis born newcomer Gedeon Luke and his band, The People, currently touring in support of their debut album Live Free & Love. Luke grew up in a gritty urban environment, and, finding solace in Gospel and Rock and Roll, he now uses his gift for music to spread positive messages of love and hope. This funky, soulful band boasts nine members: Jack Daley (bass), Joe Daley (drums), Erik Rudic (guitar), Steven Salcedo (saxaphone and keys), Anthony Alamonte (percussion/vocals), singers Ayo Awosika, Evvie McKinney, and SuMyia Dabney, and, of course, Gedeon Luke himself. Together, these talented individuals create a rich sound that the crowd at The Paramount found irresistible. During the band’s impressive performance, the audience at times resembled a church congregation, raising their hands in the air and swaying back and forth, praising the gifted musicians who graced the stage. Now a resident of New York City, Gedeon Luke and The People are ones to watch, and there is no doubt their popularity will grow as more people see their shows.
Rusted Root has been on the scene for over twenty years, meeting fame with the release of When I Woke (1994). The band is not necessarily a household name, but some of their singles, namely “Send Me On My Way,” are ubiquitous and recognizable by anyone who has ever encountered a radio or a television set as their songs have been featured heavily on Top 40 playlists, movie soundtracks, and commercials. The band is a five-piece outfit with each member playing a variety of instruments with a particular emphasis on percussion. Michael Glabicki is the lead vocalist and guitarist, also playing harmonica and mandolin. Dirk Miller and Patrick Norman play guitar and bass guitar respectively, and Liz Berlin and Preach Freedom both provide percussion; all provide backing vocals. The songs are upbeat with melodies that are primarily Rock, but with obvious World Music influences that draw from nearly every continent.
The Movement, which was released in 2012, was given its name in honor of the fan community along with the spiritual and loving vibe that the band promotes. That atmosphere was palpable at the show, where the audience’s response was paramount to the experience. While some members of the crowd stayed close to the stage to watch the band, the majority of the audience elected to experience the music on a full-body level. Everyone was dancing, and although they might not have been looking at the talented musicians on stage, their appreciation for the music was obvious throughout the lengthy seventeen song set.
The band opened with “Beautiful People” followed by “Martyr” and a few moments of Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker.” Fans were thrilled when the band played a cover version of “Suspicious Minds,” which was made famous by Elvis Presley. Among other favorites were “Welcome to My Party” and earlier hits “Laugh As the Sun” and “Food & Creative Love.” The band also played a new song called “Tumbleweed” and a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Woman.” As is tradition, Rusted Root often meandered into jam sessions, their passion for their craft obvious as they got lost in the grooves. Glabicki and Berlin were particularly fun to watch, and it seemed as if Berlin produced a new percussion instrument for each song. The highlight of the jams was one that featured percussion alone, with complex rhythms that evoked thoughts of far-off lands and times long past. From this they broke into hit single “Ecstasy” and ended the show with the aforementioned mega-hit “Send Me On My Way.”
In the rush and chaos of the days between Christmas and New Year’s, the mellow, sunny vibe of all three bands was like a brief, but worthwhile island vacation. The bands provided the perfect blend of energy and tranquility, and the mood was both celebratory and relaxed. As the audience left the venue happy and rejuvenated, it seemed as if Rusted Root’s Movement is more than just a metaphor, and that everyone at The Paramount that night had, indeed, partaken in some kind of life-affirming spiritual ritual. Rusted Root will tour again this winter through the late spring with stops throughout the U.S.
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