An aggressive, acoustic, high-energy mix of rock, folk, and tribal music.

15 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Roots Rock, ROCK: Jam-band



Details:
"Music powered by soular energy."

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 percussion layer of tribal rhythms trickling through the cracks. The result is an aggressive, high-energy, spiritual experience that has matured over the past five years into a sharply honed sound.

The addition of bass player Aaron Lewis 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 first album, Barefoot, currently in stores, and their new album, The View From Here, just recently released, Tabla Rasa continues to be recognized for their unique sound and energy as it spreads to a larger audience.