DCSC August 23rd: StompBoxTrio

StompBoxTrio is a Western Mass based band that reaches deep into the wellspring of vintage American blues, gospel and soul to bring folks a hip-shaking, foot stomping great time! The trio is made up of Evelyn Harris on vocals, David Rodriguez on upright bass & foot tambourine and John Cabán on steel “Dobro” guitar & stomp box (an analog bass-drum/porch stomper pedal).

StompBoxTrio came together as a one-off gig project, and from the first rehearsal, they found their collective sound, feel and mutual love and admiration for American roots and blues music. The history and tradition of the music was something they wanted to further explore and share with people of all ages for a long time to come.

Please visit www.StompBoxTrio.com for video, audio and more information.

Evelyn Harris has been a force on the Western Mass / Pioneer Valley music scene for many, many years, though she hails from Richmond, Virginia, where her experiences singing in church fueled her passion for exploring all other genres as well. Classically trained at Howard University, Evelyn was soon supporting herself by working in the DC jazz community, mentored by Hilton Felton and Donald Byrd. Harris’s musical style and her later ensemble collaborations reflect the pull of so many talented musicians playing in the DC area, including Sweet Honey In The Rock. In its infancy, Evelyn found her place and developed as a composer, arranger and lead singer with the group for 18 years, performing with them for the first time in 1974. Evelyn Harris is a powerhouse vocalist, who creates stirring interpretations of every song she touches.

Guitarist, composer and producer John Cabán has roots that run deep in the blues, funk, r&b, ambient, experimental and world music that have helped inspire StompBoxTrio. His distinctive dobro guitar style brings a rich, lyrical and at times, haunting dynamic to the music. The Western, Mass native spent 20+ years living in Brooklyn, NY where he played, toured, and/or recorded with such diverse artists as Richard Bona, KJ Denhert, Alana Davis, Art Neville, Eddie Kramer, Bo Diddley (RIP), Kenny Kirkland (RIP), John Cruz, Gloria Gaynor, Neycha, Gianna Nannini, Dispatch, drum 'n' bass maverick's Boomish and his own electric project, Galvanizer.

David Rodriguez has been committed to the upright bass for over 20 years. Multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, accompanist and teacher, David has been exploring the rhythmic relationships across the US from coast to coast, in Japan and Europe. He has connected musically with some of the earth’s finest players, such as Lester Bowie, Josh Roseman, Takeshi Kawabata and Geza Carr. Having recently relocated from Tokyo to his childhood home of Western Mass, David is an active member of its lively music scene. He is dedicated to both preserving timeless forms and realizing new ones.

StompBoxTrio explores and brings the multicultural depths of 20th Century American roots, blues and soul music into the 21st Century. Please come hear, see and experience StompBoxTrio for yourself!

Check out their performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwXhzTRAuXw