The musicians behind Rebel Tumbao (Rebel “Groove”) have taken two of the most exciting musical styles from the Caribbean and interweaved them. The band describes its sound as ‘AfroLatinRootsReggae,’ a tasty mix of Cuban son and roots reggae.

The creative force behind this project is pianist, singer, composer and educator, Matt Jenson; and prominent percussionist and composer, José Claussell. The band mingles Bob Marley’s message of love, truth, social justice, and economic equality with their mission to inspire all people to be more aware of the social, economic and ecological effect of their actions.

The musical pieces include original compositions as well as Cubanized arrangements of classic Bob Marley songs and a great medley of (john coltrane’s Love Supreme and Bob Marley’s Exodus..

The lineup on Rebel Tumbao includes José Claussell on percussion (co-leader), Matt Jenson on piano, keyboards, vocals (co-leader), Chris Kazarian on lead vocals, Orlando Vega on congas, Mark Lopez on percussion, Danny Torres on bass, Shelby Sykes on backing vocals, Tesia Kwarteng on backing vocals, Dacia Kings on backing vocals, Natalie Cressman on backing vocals, keyboards; Matt Plummer on trombone, and Raul Navarrete on trombone.