Hey everyone, welcome back to Shecky's Jam Bands, the place where we dig deep into the bands that keep the spirit of improvisation, community, and straight -up grooves alive. Today we're heading into the tribal, spiritual, world -infused universe of a band that really carved out its own lane in the jam scene of the 90s and beyond. That's right, we're talking about Rusted Root. was formed back in 1990 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by frontman
Michael Glebicki. He was joined by percussionist Liz Berlin, bassist Patrick Norman, and a rotating cast of other talented musicians who built up the group's massive rhythmic sound. As for the name, Rusted Root reflects the earthy, grounded, organic vibe they were going for, something primal and rooted in the soil. but with a bit of grit and rawness too. It perfectly matches their sound, which blends rock, world music, African and Latin percussion, and good old jam band exploration.
What makes Rusted Roops stand out is their multi -layered percussion and global influences. You don't just hear guitars and bass, you hear congas, bongos, and rhythms inspired by West African and Latin traditions. Combined with Glebicki's soaring musical vocals, and you've got something that feels both spiritual and festival -ready. If you're just getting into Rusted Root, here are a few must -listen tracks. First one is Send
Me On My Way, their most famous tune. Chances are you've heard it in movies like Matilda, Ice Age, or even in a commercial. It's upbeat, joyful, and instantly recognizable. with that distinctive vocal chant. It's the perfect getaway track. Secondly, you should check out Ecstasy, one of their live show staples. It's funky, layered, and when they stretch this out on the stage, it becomes a true trance dance jam. Martyr is the next one, filled with both rock energy and
spiritual undertones. This one shows their balance of message and groove. Lastly, definitely check out Back to Earth, a slower, beautifully melodic song that showcases the band's softer, spiritual side. These songs are just the beginning. The magic really happens when they're live. Now, let's talk about where RustaRoot really shines in their jams. Send Me On My Way, which is extended in multiple festival versions, When they stretch this one out live, it's not just a feel -good
radio song anymore. They'll drop in percussion -only breakdowns, let the crowd clap along, and build it back with Glibicki improvising those signature wordless chants. It becomes this communal tribal dance party where you forget where the song began. You should also check out the jam, Ecstasy. in many of their live explorations. This is probably their most reliable jam vehicle. The groove will get locked in, then they layer in call and response percussion, often blending
in snippets of other world rhythms. Sometimes they'll take it to the quieter side, almost meditative, before slamming it back into full ecstasy. No pun intended. Lastly, check out Cat Turned Blue. with many of their jam transitions. This one often morphs into extended jam segments in their sets. Buster Root is really good at using polyrhythms to create a trance -like atmosphere and they
weave in melodic guitar lines on top. The key thing about their jams, it's not just noodling, it's rhythm driven, danceable, and spiritual. You'll leave sweaty, smiling, and maybe even feeling like you've touched a higher plane. Alright, some fun facts about Rusted Root for you. Their breakthrough album When I Woke in 1994 sold over three million copies, a huge number for a jam -leaning band in that era. They toured with the likes of Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, and
even Santana. Their music has been licensed all over the place, from Matilda to Ice Age to commercials for enterprise software. Michael Globicki is still carrying the torch, touring both solo and with various Rusted Root lineups, keeping the spirit alive. Rusted Root isn't just a jam band, they're a cultural crossover band that make tribal grooves and world percussion cool in mainstream
rock. So, if you're a jam fan who likes your music danceable, spiritual, and rhythmically explosive, Rusted Root deserves a place in your playlist. Throw an ecstasy from a live show, let the percussion wash you over, and you'll see what I mean. That's it for today's episode of Shecky's Jam Bands. Thanks for tuning in and remember, whether it's Fish, Goose, or Rusted Root, the jams are always alive and waiting for you to discover.