Rusted Root

by John BushThe multi-instrumentalist group Rusted Root integrated the Grateful Deads jam-heavy rock with percussion influences based on the music of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The six-piece formed in Pittsburgh in 1990 with Michael Glabicki (vocals, guitar), Liz Berlin (vocals, percussion), Patrick Norman (bass, vocals), and Jim Donovan (drums, percussion) as the initial lineup, though John Buynak (percussion, winds) and Jim DiSpirito (percussion) joined later that year.Rusted Roots self-produced debut album When I Woke appeared in 1994 on Polygram. With support from college radio and a good buzz from the bands entrancing live show, When I Woke became quite successful in alternative circles during 1995-1996, especially with singles such as Send Me On My Way and Ecstasy. In mid-1996, Rusted Root released the Evil Ways EP, a compilation of live tracks with the bands contributions to the movies Twister and Home for the Holidays. Rusted Roots second album, Remember, followed in October. Produced by Jerry Harrison, it reached the Top 40 in its first week of release. A self-titled LP followed in 1998.