Wild Roots
About Wild Roots
Rowe Williams and Thomas Chapin create a unique blend of original acoustic music that's "kick back relax on the front porch" good for the soul. Their tunes feature heartfelt lyrics, creative arrangements, and harmonies as smooth as Vermont maple whiskey.
Meet The Band
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Thomas Chapin
Singer/Songwriter/Rhythm Guitarist
Thomas fell in love with music at an early age, listening to his parents' diverse record collection. Julie Andrews, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles were early influences on Thomas's appreciation and passion for music. Thomas's mother, a music teacher as well as a classically-trained musician, insisted that he either learn an instrument or join the school choir. Thomas chose the latter, and as a result was exposed to a variety of music from all over the world. In his early 20s, Thomas picked up the guitar and acquired a passion for songwriting. His first tunes were mainly parody songs, written for loved ones' birthdays and baby showers, but he soon developed his own style and voice. In 2012, Thomas began playing the local open mic circuit, gaining confidence as a performer and further developing his ability as an original songwriter. Now, over ten years and a couple hundred songs later, Thomas is still enjoying the fascinating, frustrating, and fulfilling journey to write the perfect song.
Photograph by Laurie Williams
Rowe Williams
Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist
A very young Rowe first fell in love with music while listening in on his parents’ cocktail party jam sessions from the top of the stairs in his pjs. At the ripe old age of 10, he was invited down to play drums and washtub bass, and he’s been playing music ever since. His father was an accomplished jazz pianist and vocal arranger, and his work with acapella groups gave Rowe the keen sense of vocal harmonies which are at the heart of his music today. Later, Rowe was influenced by the music of the late sixties and seventies including Dylan and the Byrds, The Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, The Band, and the Grateful Dead. Nowadays he listens to an eclectic mix of folk and acoustic music as well as jazz, celtic, traditional and old time. Rowe began playing guitar and harmonica and writing his own songs in college, and he picked up the mandolin upon returning to the Upper Valley in 2006. His tunes often reflect his craft as a storyteller, embellished by thoughtful arrangements and rich harmonies.
Photograph by Emily Marsh
John Foster
Drummer
John started playing drums in the early 1970s, completely immersed in the iconic music of the time.. He went on to play drums full-time in Nashville in his late teens and 20s, touring with bands and doing studio work. John has performed and recorded with several locally-renowned bands since moving from South Carolina to New Hampshire in 2006 including The Wall-Stiles, James Graham and Co., and The Rough & Tumble. Musicians everywhere appreciate John's steady beat, his attention to detail, and his ability to play any style of music. John is honored be a part-time Wild Root!