Root Spirits is an original duo located in Athens, GA. Their heavy blues-rock sound draws upon groove oriented American roots music: combining their love of Blues power, Jazz improvisation, and Soul swagger with “high art” aesthetics of experimental and psychedelic interludes. Visceral live performances take their fans on a journey as it moves their heart, minds, and feet with a message of love and peace.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Danny: Shoot I used to go to so many local shows in basements, VFW’s, cafe’s, etc. growing up in the northeast from pop punk to death metal. I was a rabid live music fan since I was a little kid but my first notable show had to be Pantera in NYC during their 2001 tour in support of their last album, Reinventing the Steel. Soulfly and Morbid Angel opened for them and it was an amazing night – also the last time I would ever see Pantera together again 🙁 Even though I don’t really listen or play Metal anymore I’ll always be a “recovering” metalhead and as far as groove is concerned, no metal band had or will have nearly an ounce of the soul that Pantera did.
Matt: Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden in ’97
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Danny: My favorite gig that we ever played had to be at some metal bar in Connecticut. We thought we might not go over too well but the place was packed, the fans loved us, & everyone got pretty wild. I broke my foot during the show and didn’t really realize it until the next day but it was worth it. At one point there were two elderly people dancing around Matt’s drum kit. I still don’t know how they got on the stage without me noticing but I remember the ol’ lady went by the name: “Harley Arley” and she was a real warrior. What a trip!
Matt: Roxy and Dukes in Dunellen, NJ
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Danny: My favorite gig I’ve ever seen has to be Buddy Guy. I had the honor of attending with Robert Christgau (a famous rock critic who is largely responsible for my getting into blues music and who turned me on to Buddy as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd) and got to enjoy his quips throughout the show. Buddy Guy is a HUGE influence on me and my playing and getting to see him in the flesh just tearing it up is something that’ll stick with me forever.
Matt: Levon Helm and the Black Crowes at The Borgata ’09
Gig you would most like to play?
Danny: I would love to open up for the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy or the Black Crowes if they come back from their hiatus. Other than that, if Rod Stewart ever rejoined Faces I would fight tooth and nail to play on that tour.
Matt: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Danny: Personnel or bands? As far as bands go I would make a dream festival with Hendrix, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, Magic Sam, Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor, Cactus, & Free. As far as my dream lineup is concerned: Magic Sam, Peter Green & I on guitar, Howlin Wolf on vocals, Andy Fraser (of Free) on bass, and Buddy Miles on drums.
Matt: Chris Robinson – vocals, Rich Robinson – guitar, Mick Taylor – guitar, Mel Schacher – bass, Leon Russell – piano, John Lord – organ and me on drums
Catch Root Spirits Friday night at The Earl with Stereomonster & The FountNHead
