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.