Toubab Krewe w/ Mind At Large @ The Mousetrap – Friday, November 14th

Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound.

Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (Kora, Kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (Djembe, Congas, Dundun, Sangban, Kinkini) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2.

This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they’ve exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Rothbury and Wakarusa, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets’ Umar Bin Hassan or Uncle Earl’s Rayna Gellert, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community.

Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group’s travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they’ve learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.

ormed in Cincinnati, OH in 2018, Mind at Large has been on a constantly expanding and evolving search for musical territory not yet traversed by man.

Comprised of founder Eli Mathews (guitar/vocals/synth) and rhythm brother unit Alexander and Andrew Donahue (bass, drums,) this cluster of carbon based lifeforms creates a eclectic sound, best characterized as progressive rock, alternative, jazz, psychedelia, and funk. While Alex and Andrew create deep, heavy grooves and complex polyrhythms, Eli lays down chunky riffage, emotionally charged leads, and thoughtfully textured synth passages. This deeply integrated synthesis puts on display a direct byproduct of lifelong friendship, with the members having been playing together in various formats since middle school. Their improvisational skills continue to grow and evolve as they search for new and exciting ways to deliver music to the listener.

With a special emphasis on songwriting, Mind at Large’s sound is unmistakably original. With their newest album, “beginagain,” they offer up their most cohesive and conversational collection of songs to date. Oozing with emotion, packed with fun and humor, and showcasing their technical prowess, this new record establishes itself as a fresh new space for the listener to exist in and explore, with a clear concept and recurring ideas woven throughout.

They balance all of this while working to build and nurture a loving, enthusiastic community in their hometown of Cincinnati. They strive to foster an environment where creatives, music fans, and passerby alike are welcomed, celebrated, and collaborated with any time the opportunity arises. This community continues to grow with every release and every show, all embarking together on a mission to spread jubilation through connection.