Rootbrew

Rootbrew Bio

Sprouted from New York’s fertile Hudson Valley, Rootbrew was formed by Benjy Bruno and Ryan Reutershan with the purpose of exploring their shared appreciation for the uplifting and positive sounds of different world music that they had each grown up listening to and developed further interest in throughout their adult lives. Their songwriting reflects influences that clearly focus on their American roots, while also drawing heavily from some of their musical heroes from West and South Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The resulting sound is not always the easiest to communicate to the audience, and Roger LaRochelle was the locked in drummer that was needed to hold down the groove that this music requires. His pocket, as well as his skill set on the kit, were the added elements that have allowed Rootbrew’s music to be felt as much as it is heard.
Although Benjy, Ryan, and Roger all rejoice in contributing to the singing, Meg Riebesell was the powerful and harmonically gifted voice that was needed to deliver the lyrical messages, (which range from simple love songs to politically charged songs, as well as laments on war, suffering, and spirituality) with the true beauty that the songs deserve.
With a recently recorded album available, and recent performances with bands such as Lakou Mizik (Haiti) Mamadou Kelly (Mali), and Big Mean Sound Machine (Ithaca), it is an exciting time for the band. Together, this group can write, play, sing, and creates a sound that will make the audience want to sing along, dance along, shout, jump, listen, discuss, and dream.