BAND PROFILE: Roots & Rhythm

MEMBERS:

James Speiser is the soulful and authentic vocalist and guitarist who is frontman of the band. Pattie Melt plays a sultry and beautiful tenor saxophone that still has a gritty real tone. Kevin Smith is one of the best jazz drummers in the state.  Warren Ward is on bass and has his own band Mango Chutney that has performed in the last seven Winter Park Jazz Festivals.

THE MUSIC:

 A diverse and dynamic repertoire, including blues, jump blues and swing, soul, jazz and some funky material. They cover Ray Charles, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Louis Jordan, Sly and the Family Stone, Herbie Hancock among others.  They also have a wide variety of original music.

REGULAR GIGS:

 They perform regularly at the Fine Arts Center’s Deco Lounge, Jack Quinn, SouthSide Johnny’s, McCabes, Benny’s, the Overtime Bar and Jake’s in Denver.  They’re at Benny’s on Feb. 25 and 26.

PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT:

Coordinating a large outdoor festival in Austin, Texas with some of the city’s best musicians.

AMBITIONS:

 To acquire a touring bus and travel the country.  We also intend to travel in Europe.