Rusted Root members stay true to themselves

The singer/percussionist admits that she was never a fan of the Grateful Dead.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
A decade has passed since Rusted Root enjoyed mainstream attention with its hit single "Send me on my Way," yet the Pittsburgh-based jam band remains a touring draw with its decidedly granola aesthetic and world music vibe.
"At a certain point, we just had to do the songs that we do," said singer/percussionist Liz Berlin, calling from her home. "I think that probably had a lot to do with why we never got on the radio again. But I think ultimately we were okay with that."
With five studio albums to the band's credit, including its most recent, 2002's "Welcome to my Party," Rusted Root has outlasted many of its peers based on an alluring live show and an occasional hiatus, which keeps fans hungry and band members creatively inspired and friendly.
"I think we're all good with that," Berlin said. "It's kind of what has to happen when you're in one situation for so long. You have to have other avenues to express yourself."
Solo projects
For the members of Rusted Root, that means numerous solo projects, including Berlin's upcoming national release "AudioBioGraphical." The singer said the album material is influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and PJ Harvey. "Michael [Glabicki] is the main songwriter of Rusted Root, and he has a very distinctive writing style," said Berlin, who co-owns Pittsburgh's Mr. Smalls Funhouse theater with her husband, Mike Sterando. "I have a totally different writing style, plus I'm a girl, so that makes it a girl album with female lead vocals. It goes in directions that would never happen in Rusted Root. It's 100 percent me. There's no collaboration or compromise."
It's by no accident that Berlin's debut solo effort marks a stylistic shift compared to the jam band sounds of Rusted Root. Discussion of her influences leads to a startling revelation.
Not a fan
Said Berlin, "Personally, I was never a fan of the Grateful Dead, and it's not that I dislike them but that's just not who I ever was."
Not only does Rusted Root fall decidedly under the Jerry Garcia umbrella, but the band can boast one gig that most new millennium acts just dream about. The Steel City band opened for The Dead on June 30, 1995, at Three Rivers Stadium. Deadheads know not only was this the famed Haight/Asbury band's last Pittsburgh date, but it was just weeks before Garcia died.
Still, it's kind of ironic considering Rusted Root -- which plays a hometown show July 30 at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre At Station Square -- is associated with the post-Jerry jam band scene.
"Yeah, I guess so but I can't complain," Berlin said. "It's been a really great time."
Considering fans can be fickle, or downright zealous about bands and their opinions, there's always a concern of backlash among the group's minions.
"I don't think so," laughed Berlin. "I think we're all too human for that."