Insider Sessions
Toubab Krewe
The Insider Sessions with Erika Iverson
Photo by Randy Smith
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The Insider Sessions are inspired by the emotion, power, and soul that go into one, simple song. The aim is to get closer and more personal to the music and the art. The acoustic sound, I believe, is perfect for this. It allows you to hear only instruments, only voice, no background fuzz, and nothing channeling the noise but our own ears. The artists will choose their own place to play, sometimes in a van, sometimes on a bus, sometimes simply in an alley way; either way each session is authentic and personal. So take a look at these artists, some are from Iowa, some just passing through, and as you'll sometimes find, just getting started. Listen and enjoy the sounds that erupt throughout our beautiful state.
~ Erika Iverson
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Toubab Krewe has taken the advancement of rock n' roll to a whole new level. The members of the group have a long standing relationship (they have played in bands together since they were in fourth grade), and their friendships as well as their dedication has brought their skill and musicianship to a distinguished peak. They play African inspired rock and roll, percussion, harp, and many of their rhythms were taught to them by native tribes that they traveled across the country to stay with and learn from. As a group they have journeyed to Africa several times and through new friendships and a different perspective they come back each time sharing a little bit more of their soul through their mastery of music. We traveled to Colorado to see them on tour with John Brown's Body and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad; it was my favorite tour to date. Each night they guest starred in each other's bands and pleased the crowd with impromptu jams. No one can keep you on your feet the way that the Krewe does – their live performances are like no other and if you haven't seen one it's worth traveling for.
The five-piece band is a humble group of friends who appreciate that our own music originally came from Africa and it's natives. Rock and roll, blues, and jazz all came from a distant continent and were adapted by the American musicians over time. Toubab Krewe goes back to true roots of our modern rock and roll and brings back the organic tribal sound along with classic rock and roll appeal. Thank you to the Krewe for the interview in their tour bus and the jam session!
~ Erika
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Erika Iverson is a Music reporter for InsiderIowa.com. Some of her old favorite artists include Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bill Withers, The Who, The Doors, Buddy Guy, Cher, and Stevie Nicks, to name only a few. Other passions include going on adventures, eating healthy, studying philosophy, backpacking with her dad, and shopping with her mom.
