Artist description The Mambo Surfers describe themselves as world rhythm jazz folk, with trio members hailing from Native America, Southern India and Indiana. They are multi-lingual, multi-instrumental and multi-modal.

Music Style World Rhythm Jazz Folk

Musical Influences Bruce Cockburn, Gil Scott-Heron, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Osibisa

Similar Artists Not applicable

Artist History The nucleus of the band formed nearly 3 years ago when Ron Jones, a luthier by trade who has been playing and writing music for over 20 years, teamed up with Saji Villoth. Saji was born in Southern India and spent most of his childhood in Kuwait before making his way to the United States, gathering musical inspiration along the way. Their diverse musical tastes and influences immediately produced a unique style and a plethora of songs which they honed in Milwaukee's coffee houses and bookstore cafes. Starting out as an acoustic duo, they evolved into also using electrics and a few “electronic toys”. In 1998 they brought on percussionist Bo Johnson, which added spicy beats and moved the band into clubs, colleges, festivals and other venues. Bo is also a seasoned actor and comedian, bringing a whole new and humorous approach to the Mambo Surfers' style. He can't resist inserting humor at every opportunity, making shows fun and wacky, as well as musically rich. The Surfers have become a particular hit with other musicians who appreciate their eclectic and original style. Jim Donovan (drummer from Rusted Root) has this to say about their new CD, "twelve tales from": "Very cool stuff! Kinda reminds me of the JGB [Jerry Garcia Band]. I especially like the instrumentals."

Group Members Ron "Rojo" Jones - stringed instruments and harmonica Saji Villoth - stringed instruments, pan pipes, flute, bells Bo Johnson - congas, bongos, various percussion toys

Instruments Slide, six & twelve-string guitars, bass, charango, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, congas, bongos & various percussion

Press Reviews "In the early '90s, we heard a lot about "world beat"; more recently, the term has given way to the catch-all phrase "ethnic music". Both titles suit the Mambo Surfers just fine. The trio grounds its ethereal sound in a base of folk and jam-rock. But from there the multi-ethnic and multi-instrumental band crosses about any musical border you can imagine. The results? A globe-trotting sound that prevails on its recent CD, "Mambo Surfers: twelve tales from". (partial review) by Nick Carter of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Location Milwaukee, WI - USA

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