Artist description Tabla Rasa can be best described as an intense acoustical aggression, with explosive tribal rhythms that cannot be stopped. We’ve often been compared to Rusted Root, Blind Melon, Phish and String Cheese Incident.

Music Style An eclectic, acousitic aggression, hell-bent on world domination

Musical Influences Phish, Rusted Root, String Cheese Incident, Blind Melon

Similar Artists Dave Matthews, Rusted Root

Artist History Established in 1997 by founding members Mike Tipton and Matt Smithmier, Tabla Rasa has always sought to combine the distinct musical elements of its members to form a unique and eclectic blend of rock, folk, and tribal music.With diverse instrumentation combining guitars, mandolin, congas and timbales, the Tabla Rasa sound is based on a rock groove with a percussionlayer of tribal rhythms trickling through the cracks. The result is an aggressive, high-energy,spiritual experience that has matured over the past three years into a sharply honed sound.The newest addition of bass player Aaron Lewis has added yet another layer of musical influences,including a background of funk, jazz and blues. Lewis, Smithmier and Tipton have played together for more than nine years in various rock and jazz bands, and percussionist Curt Lane along with drummer Justin Skinner contribute the perfect mix of complimentary rhythms and inflections that serves as a musical glue, binding the individual influences into the unique sound you hear today.With all members in the Kansas City area, Tabla Rasa can often be found in the various clubs throughout the Kansas City, Columbia, Maryville, Tulsa and Lawrence areas. The band has developed a strong local following throughout the region and supports a strong mailing list of fans.And with their new album, Barefoot, currently in stores, Tabla Rasa continues to be recognized for their unique sound and energy as it spreads to a larger audience.

Group Members Aaron Lewis - bass, vocalsMatt Smithmier - mandolin, vocals, guitarMike Tipton - vocals, guitarCurt Lane - auxiliary percussion (congas, djembe, etc.)Justin Skinner - drums

Instruments Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Bass, Drums, Congas, Timbales, etc etc

Albums Barefoot (2000)

Press Reviews Around Hear: A new slate of local releases raises hell — and heaven...Tabla Rasa's liner notes are footnote-free, but then this quintet isn't aiming for an old-country feel. With its jangly guitar, up-twisting vocal quirks and drum-circle percussion, Tabla Rasa jams Dave Matthews-style when it's not getting jiggy with it. Using congas,timbales and mandolin, the group constructs deceptively dense verses, then builds a thin tunnel to the big power-ballad style choruses. Drummer Justin Danner chauffeurs each song to its inevitable dramatic peak in style, using a series of thunderous rolls to excellent effect. Songwriters Mike Tipton and Matt Smithmier employthe type of subtlety that's absent in Tabla Rasa'smusic, making spiritual references and even referring directly to Jesus without coming off as missionaries...Andrew MillerPitchWeekly(February 22, 2001)BXR Mallapalooza 2000 was a huge success!Mallapalooza 2000 rocked out Cafe Court last Sunday! The bands listed below were chosen to play an exclusive show at one of six BXR MU Tiger Tailgate parties: Tabla Rasa Seven Days Strange Brew Harper's Cricket Brother's Image Band Government CheeseTabla Rasa was the winner receiving studio time to cut a CD at Crazy Music Sound & Light and a $500 gift certificate to the Columbia Mall. Thanks to Crazy Music and the Columbia Mall for supporting BXR Mallapalooza 2000!- www.bxr.com(August 25, 2000) Out of the Swamps of Middle MissouriThe Music Cafe in Columbia, Missouri was filled with happy, knee slappin' vibes when mid-Missouri band Tabla Rasa came to perform. The crowd kicked off their shoes just like several band members that wanted to jam barefoot. The best bands are the ones who not only love their music but look happy playing it.Vocalist and guitarist Mike Tipton looked like Eddie Vedder as he delivered his lyrics to the audience. Drummer Justin "Taco" Danner's smile could not get any wider as he giddily slammed his chopsticks on his drums. Bass playerAaron "Big Al" Lewis could not have been more content with his performance and mandolin/guitarist Matt Smithmier looked like he was born to play music. And who can forget the ball of talent that's Curt "Bug-Eyed Dude" Lane, who plays almost any kind of auxiliary percussion.Their unique sound is a combination of Rusted Root, Pearl Jam, and Phish. They describe themselves as "tribal, funky and upbeat." Their music is influenced by bands such as Rusted Root and Jim Croce. This band is not only talented but also good looking. But, ladies, only two are single. Which ones? Well, you have to go see them perform to find out.--Danielle SiembiedaMTV Local Stringer www.mtv.com (June 16, 1999)

Location Lawson, Missouri - USA

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