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Rusted Root Sprouts Success

Small band reaps national success without tearing up rooted beliefs
By Jennifer Telford Campus Press Staff Writer
Take a great band, add spirituality, relentless energy, hypnotic rhythms and a major label, and you've created the right combination to plant the seed of success. Rusted Root has hit the mainstream with overwhelming acclaim, and their Mercury Records debut When I Woke turned gold in just a little more than a year. Their hit single "Send Me On My Way" has been echoing from radio stations throughout the country and has received extensive airplay on local stations. No compromise Although they have evolved from a small Pittsburgh band to a national major-label success at a rapid pace, they accomplished this feat without compromising any of their underlying principles. "We have a clear picture of who we are and remain true to our energies as opposed to trying to fit into some other scene," said Maichael Glabicki, lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist. Rusted Root sprouted in 1990 when founders Glabicki and Liz Berlin (supporting vocals and percussion) hooked up with Jim Donovan (supporting vocals, drums and percussion) and entered a local band contest. They came in fourth out of 152 entries. During the next nine months, members Jenn Wertz (supporting vocals and percussion) and John Buynak (supporting vocals, winds and hand drums) joined the band. Percussionist Jim DiSpirito completed the entourage in 1993. "We all come from different places and, as individuals, make up one great collective," Glabicki said. The band began to grow by playing local gigs and releasing a self-produced album Cruel Sun that sold 20,000 copies. Their following grew, and the band set up its own mail-order merchandise business. After being independent for so long, Rusted Root were hesitant to sign with a major label. It took seven months before they decided to sign with Mercury records. "We've just taken it slow and done things our way," Glabicki said. "We have a good foundation beneath us, and we wanted to make sure what was important to us didn't change." That importance lies in the unique energy that the group displays. Rusted Root's synergy manifests into a powerful energy that envelopes the crowd during their performances. Often described as magic, the concert experience is more than just a performance. The band aims at moving the audience with its powerful music and vitality. "We have a high vibration type of energy that's really intangible," Glabicki said. "What's coming through us is unique and a way of healing ourselves and bringing light to others. This is bigger than some stupid rock show." Their driving primal rhythm that demonstrates African, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Eastern influences turns their concerts into special events that draw huge crowds. "There is a comraderie between the band and the audience," Glabicki said. "We'll smile at each other and share the experience and I'll say to myself, 'Wow, isn't this cool?'" 'A modern hippie band'

The band's tribal beats, spirited melodies and ensemble of ethereal vocals have been compared to Talking Heads and Arrested Development. They have also been described as a modern version of a hippie band.

"People are uncomfortable with our intense energy, so they try to label us and fit us into some sort of TV channel in their heads. They'll misunderstand us and make us into their rock star idols, psychiatrists or wanna-be sex symbols," Glabicki said. "But, we're infinitely changing and evolving. The labels are things you can have fun with, but it doesn't mean you have to be part of that scenery." Just enjoy playing Rusted Root is not concerned with the labels that others attach to them. They simply enjoy performing music. "Music expands the horizons of what I am and what I am able to become," Glabicki said. "It brings into realization all of the other dimensions of consciousness and allows you to try them on like a costume."

Rusted Root has toured with Page and Plant, the Dave Matthews Band, the Spin Doctors and Toad the Wet Sprocket. Now headliners, the band will play in Boulder on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Balch Fieldhouse. Joan Osborne will open. Tickets are $17 in advance and are available at Rocky Mountain Teleseat.
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