TapRoots is the brainchild of composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Matthew King. Building on their debut album of 2018, TapRoots is charting new musical territory with its unique and complex mix of funk, soul, salsa, afrobeat, reggae, afro cuban jazz, rock and roll, samba and folkloric rhythms into a cohesive and compelling whole. They have emerged from the pandemic at the forefront of the Global Fusion revival in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts and beyond. Born out of the desire to explore and blend a variety of interlocking musical influences, TapRoots is a new vision of cultural sonic fusion that touches the live wire of the spirit, body and mind. In the words of King, “This is not “Epcot Center'' style cultural fusion; this is a raw, energetic, untamed and complex look at how these musical traditions — and all of us – are related.”
TapRoots combines blazing horn lines, danceable grooves, thought provoking lyrics and a tangible sense of the spirit into a powerful unified statement of joy, community, social change and praise! It is deep tracks with deep roots for the true music aficionado, traveling beyond the borders of traditional popular music, bringing the listener on a journey filled with catchy hooks, pulsing rhythms, and intricate musical motifs, synthesized into a powerful, deeply rooted, listening experience.
Bombajazzeando marries bomba drumming and dancing from Puerto Rico with jazz horns and hipness. Four drummers and three dancers are joined by sax, trumpet, trombone, piano and bass for a big, style-busting sound. The show is interactive and entertaining; we teach the audience the choruses, and get them dancing some traditional moves.
Based in the large Puerto Rican community of northwestern Massachusetts, Bombajazzeando is led by dancer Brendalíz Cepeda, drummer Saúl Peñalosa and myself as composer/arranger. Brendalíz is the granddaughter of Rafael Cepeda, the most important bomba musician of the late 20th century; she started dancing with him at the age of 5, and has herself held hundreds of workshops teaching her island’s heritage. For the Puerto Rican and North American members of the group alike, it’s all about connection: tradition and creativity, island and mainland, musicians and audience.
Doors are at 7pm and music will begin no later than 8. Seating will be limited as we are clearing room for dancing! All ages!