This isn't a band - it's a way of life
Genre defying fusion with a rock and roll soulBy Jaye Drew, freelance writer
Friday, July , 2008
Boombazi founding member Ben Sawyer is unapologetic and unabashed in his confessions of a rock and roll lifestyle. While he admits that livin' la vida loca could possibly have hindered the band's progress, it is clear to thousands of underground fans that this mentality is the hidden force driving the sound of a band that stays true to the heart of rock and roll.
Boombazi is just as brazen in their defiance of genre and have proven themselves worthy by creating an incomparable original sound. They blend elements of hip-hop, reggae, rock, funk, latin and soul much like ultimate fighters incorporate boxing, wrestling and martial arts. This fusion is the product of a kind of musical Taoism - it is created on the spot as a collaborative effort between members rather than the result of individual ideas.
After releasing their self-titled second album in 2007, Boombazi is back in the jam space working out the tracks to a follow up. The group that has been rocking hard for over eight years (longer than many marriages) has evolved from a trio with a more abrasive sound to a five piece with a finer fusion.
"In the beginning it was more of a rock-funk oriented sound and now we're not shooting for any genre - we're just trying to make good music. The project has evolved from a childÉI'd say we're in our adolescence right now and we're on prescription drugs to control our attention deficit disorder."
Ben plays drums and established the project with bass player Nick Leen in 1999. Lead rapper Justin Hogan signed on in 2001 and Nate Soule (guitar) came on board for the release of their self-titled album in 2007, which was recorded with a different guitar player. Rapper Luke Mallett (a.k.a. Mello) came to spit onstage in 2007 and a regular influx of guest players crash the party.
With a fresh album in the works, Boombazi will be hitting the road for East and West coast tours following the release. The band that lives and breathes rock n' roll will be sure to return to the great State of Maine with a crazy story or two. Ben recounted the time they stopped in at a motel with no vacancy. The eccentric owner offered to hook them up if they would come in and jam with him and his "old lady."
"Next thing we know this cat's gettin' busted by the police at one in the morning...we got a room out of it though."
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