The Wandering Roots ‘band’ is a growing collective of musicians that sprang out of Shawn’s “Wandering Roots” 2007-8 recording sessions. What began as a solo acoustic project layed the seeds for the several off shoots listed below. The following players are members of the Wandering Roots in various combinations from duos to quartets. See our tour schedual for a list of who’s playing when.

Shawn Taylor  (vox, acc. & elec. guitar, song smithing)

With or without his band of Wandering Roots, Shawn Taylor is an engaging performer, a creatively intuitive songwriter, passionate singer and hypnotic fingerpicker. He’s performed throughout New-England for fifteen years in various situations, from intimate solo acoustic engagements to house rocking, foot stomping, jamming shindigs. Shawn first introduced his brand of original music with CT’s Mental Gypsies 2001 “State of Mind” Release & released his first ‘solo’ recording project “Wandering Roots” in March 2008.

Shawn’s unique songwriting captures the complexity of American (and Global) life at the turn of the millennium. He brings a wide range of experience to the stage. He’s been an oysterman, a carpenter, a thru-hiker (completing the Appalachian Trail ‘96, the Long Trail ‘97, and the John Muir Trail ‘05), a college student, father, homeowner & hitch hiking vagabond. His lyrics are accesable, yet deeply layered, poetic and poinent. From backporch finger picking blues to driving post appoccoliptic grooves, Shawn’s eclectic bag of original music takes us on a journey through ourselves.

Wandering Roots Regulars:

Billy Bileca – Bass, lap steel, guitar

Billy is a road seasoned veterain musician, having toured with Jeff Pitchel & Texas Flood and several other national acts.  His command of the Upright is matched by his deeply tasteful musicality.

Jim McKeemn – Acoustic & Electric guitar

Jim’s guitar playing is a truly unique & firey blend of rock, jazz, bluegrass, reggae, blues, country and a strange unknown quotient that makes him Jim Mckeeman. He’s played with many bands over the last 35 years, including the Detonator’s, Mocha Jam, and the Mental Gypsies.

Jonathan Lichtig - Drums

Is a rock solid drummer, with tasteful chops and dynamics, having been sharpened by his time on the road with Greg Picallo (of Roomful of blues).

Nick Longo – Drums & Percussion

A solid and creative drummer, Nick has played a wide variety of music with a wide variety of bands including Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood. His use of the Jembe in place of a snare drum gives the Wandering Roots a uniquely deep grooving sound.