THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 24, 1997 TAG: 9701240057
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E2 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Music Review
SOURCE: BY JEFF MAISEY, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: 33 lines
THE ONLY REAL similarities between Rusted Root and the Grateful Dead is that they attract some of the same followers. Musically, there is no comparison. Rusted Root is far more clever than the Dead ever were.
Wednesday at the Boathouse, the Pittsburgh sextet drew from a world of musical influences, carefully weaving them together in one colorful, complex shroud of sounds past and present. They evoke a mystical element that is enchanting, as when violinist Liz Berlin waved her bow like a wand, as if casting a spell upon the music itself.
Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, Spanish, African and Irish influences were all evident, as they were laid over hypnotic rhythms and the curious voice of Michael Glabicki. Aided by Berlin, his soaring persona expanded the musical realm they explore. The adventure on which they took the near sell-out crowd seemed timeless and without boundaries.
Rusted Root selected a great mix of songs from ``When I Woke'' and its latest effort, ``Remember.'' In a set that was as fluid as the Mississippi River, the arcane ``Voodoo,'' with the shrieking Berlin in the background, was a big pleaser. It was followed by the radio-played ``Sister Contine,'' which got an even more appreciative response. Following the chaotic guitar work on ``Silver-n-Gold,'' the Pitt-6 went on a percussive tangent, compelling the entranced crowd to dance. The set ended with complete ``Ecstasy.''
As the faithful loudly chanted for a reappearance, the band was quick to administer ``Faith I Do Believe,'' saving the best for last on ``Send Me on My Way.''