Bitter Roots

With soulful singing and sweet harmonies, Bitter Roots move fluidly between mellow yet upbeat jam rock and scorching psychedelic blues. Drawing their influences largely from the Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers, their music bears a golden era quality, but they are hardly trapped in the past. Their catchy and inspired songs reach forward as much as back, with a vibe and sensibility that is firmly rooted in the present. Melodious and wailing guitar and keyboard solos, improvised jamming, and an abundance of tasty grooves are all to be expected live – and their chemistry on stage is undeniable. Whether they’re burning down the house or soothing your soul, Bitter Roots are creating heartfelt rock and roll that sizzles and smokes, filling a niche that was begging to be filled.

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Bitter Roots formed in 2008 around guitarists Jamey Whatton and Brian Dent (who had been performing together as an acoustic act since 2006) and singer Kristy Whatton who had studied voice in the Twin Cities. Jamey Whatton had played in well-received Minneapolis outfits (Boku Maru, Gypsy Rogues) as well as in Oregon (Slow Bus). Brian Dent had played with folk duo The Dent Brothers and the traditional Irish band Ri Ra. In early 2009, drummer Dan Kaping, a multi-instrumentalist who has appeared at many Twin Cities venues with bands (Swimmer) and in solo projects, joined the band. In February 2009, they recorded a six-song album with Jason Branton playing bass. In June 2009 Jason Branton left the band and was replaced by Aaron Thielen. Aaron Thielen was the bassist for the regional jam band Paco. Bitter Roots gave their first public performance on July 4, 2009 at The Contented Cow in Northfield, MN. In August 2009, keyboardist Stephen Donaho joined the band. New to the Minneapolis music scene, he had played in jazz and rock ensembles (Dr. Ignatius and the Sun Lizards, Belaires) in upstate New York and New England. In August 2010, Dan Kaping left the band and was replaced by Adam Carlson. Adam Carlson studied percussion at Music Tech and has played with many local rock, jazz, and fusion ensembles including guitarist Chris Stack’s fusion trio. In October of 2009, Bitter Roots began their public performances with the present lineup, and have since played to enthusiastic crowds in Minneapolis, Duluth, Northfield, Winona, and Eau Claire, as well as appearing at the 2010 Midwest Family Gathering music festival.