Roamin’ Gabriels have the uncanny ability to weave memorable pop melodicism, sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic invention, with the adventurous spirit of improvisation, and deliver it with a "rye" sense of humor.
Leader and songwriter, Len Mooney, has shared the stage with such diverse legends as Rick Danko (of the Band) and Bernie Worrell (P-Funk, WOO Warriors), both Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers. On the jazz front, he has performed with George Young (Saturday Night Live Band) and jazz pianist John Coates, Jr.(Pacific St. Records) In the world of pop, he has recorded and toured with From Good Homes (RCA Records), bluegrass Railroad Earth (Sugarhill Records), rock jamband The Samples (MCA, WAR).
It was at the famed "Organ Jam" at the Terrace Ballroom at Newark Symphony Hall that Mooney had an eureka experience while watching Hammond organists Jack McDuff, Rhoda Scott, Gloria Coleman, and Bobby Forrester. As the light bulb went off in his head, he said, "This is it, this is what I was meant to do." That day marked the beginning of Roamin’ Gabriels.
Roamin’ Gabriels consists of Len Mooney on Hammond organ, assorted keyboards, accordion, melodica, and vocals, Dirk Dekker on guitar, sounds, and vocals, Josh Karis on drums and vocals. The trio format poses unique challenges and opportunities in the conversational style of improvised music. Roamin’ Gabriels meet these challenges with Mooney’s emerging individual sound, Dekker's melodic and Rhythmic sound cnavas, and Karis's supportive and spontaneously inventive pulse.
Roamin' Gabriels were featured artists on XM Satellite Radio along side saxman David Sanborn. 4 songs from their debut CD "Smile" were premiered. Those same songs are in rotation on channels Music Lab 51 and Beyond Jazz 72. They are mentioned on XM's web site, the only independent band to do so. They are also in rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio on channels Jam On 17 and Planet Jazz 70. Len Mooney played keyboards with Railroad Earth @ 2 sold out shows (Dec. 30 & 31 New Years Eve) "sittin' in" was Bill Nershi & Keith Moseley from String Cheese Incident .
Come and see why Roamin' Gabriels "Spread the Groove" whenever they hit the stage!
Website
http://www.roamingabriels.com
Discography
Smile-Slingshot Records-2002
