Windjammer
Complete band Information.

Swamp Dogs
Complete band Information.

Segue
Complete band Information.

This summer Windjammer celebrates 23 years of continuous musical activities. The Florida-based pop Caribbean group was the first full-time ensemble of it's kind performing in the northern half of the state and has proven not only to be quite durable, but continues to set the musical pace for many other groups. Over the years Windjammer's personnel has changed, but the current line-up of Lawrence "Laree" App (bass, lead vocals and the only original member), Peet Winders (lead guitar, vocals), and Eric Mason (drums and vocals) have been together over five years now--longer than any of the other WJ groups. Additionally, the fourth member, Ray Guiser (saxophone, EWI, vocals) has been with the band for two years. Although many talented musicians have played in Windjammer over the years, App says, "this group is the best by far. The guys are all great musicians and we work together so well. No ego hassles at all. And the drive and the versatility of this group is amazing."

After being based in Jacksonville for six years, the band shifted its focus back to central Florida (where it was based from 1982-91) two years ago. This, in part, through the relocation of App and Mason from Jax Beach to Ormond and New Smyrna respectively, and in part through the joining of long-term Daytona resident Ray Guiser. The move back to central Florida was designed to put the band closer to more markets for performing. During this season Windjammer has performed from Tampa to St. Simons GA and everywhere in between. Although three of the members now reside in Volusia County, Windjammer still performs regularly in northeast Florida due to the fan base they've built over the years.

Imagine, if you will, the sound of a band comprised of a multi-instrumentalist ethnomusicologist who is an expert on Afro-Caribbean music and steel drumming, an Eskimo drummer who graduated from the Jamaica School of Music after playing in heavy metal hair bands in the 1980’s, and a virtuoso guitarist whose influences range from Cannibal Corpse to Frank Zappa.  Furthermore, envision giving these musicians college degrees in jazz performance, a meticulous attention to detail bordering on obsessive compulsive disorder, seven years of playing together constantly as a popular island music act, and three years to produce a CD of nearly all original music.

  The result is the latest CD release by Brother Roots called Acculturation. Rejecting the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” mentality that homogenizes and sterilizes the music of other cultures to make it more palatable to the passive masses, Brother Roots has developed a sound that--while reminiscent of reggae, ska, zouk, jazz, soca, afro-pop, and fusion—is uniquely authentic and irresistible.  Even with the diverse influences, cerebral improvisation, and high level of musicianship demonstrated on Acculturation, the average listener can’t help but dance and groove to the infectious beats.  Of course, there are plenty of chops on the album to peak the interest of the more discriminating listener as well. 

The Swamp Dog Jazz Band is dedicated to performing the highest quality jazz in a swinging and entertaining maruier. The wide range of musical experiences of the members comes together in tight ensemble work and hot solos. The group philosophy is not to recreate the music of the early jazz masters, but to pay homage to the great small group jazz popularized in the 1920's 1940's. Few jazz bands maintain the energy and humor of the Swamp Dog Jazz Band!

J.B. Scott, on Trumpet and vocals came to Jacksonville by way of Orlando, Miami, and New Orleans. His three years as leader of the Dukes of Dixieland brought him international travels, TV exposure and a number of CD's and videos. His years in Miami brought him to the Latin music traditions while his time in Orlando brought him the diverse music of the theme parks. J.B.'s trumpet virtuosity and flexibility has brought him recognition throughout the USA, Japan, South America and Europe, including the famed Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. J.B. is a YAMAHA trumpet artist/clinician.