Our Press Kit can be downloaded here:
Press Kit
Radio
Print San Antonio Current...
twiceJoel Laviolette featured in the Austin Chronicle's "Off The Record"
Corpus Christi Caller-TimesReview of Rattletree at Revolution, College Station, TXDallas ObserverInterview in Austin Daze Magazine
Interview with Bryan/College Station "The Eagle" newspaperReview of ACL aftershowArticle of Rattletree and Mhumhi Records in "Austin Music Magazine"
Letter of recommendation from the principal of Park Crest Middle School. We played for their "Diversity Day".
Quotes
It was a sight to see and a unique joy to hear!
-Tad Hendrickson, Global Rhythms Magazine
...you all definitely got those industry people to "shake their butts". And you all "blew me away". Congrats!
-Michael Crockett, KUT Austin 90.5 FM
Rattletree is a "must see". They are a high energy fusion of African and other world influences that is immediately accessible, and rousing.
-David Courtney, "Music beyond Borders", KPFT Houston 90.1 FM
Rattletree is authentic Zimbabwean marimba with a twist. It's impossible to resist the African beat commanding you to move along with the energetic music.-Wendy Wever-Austin Daze Magazine
You don't have to be booked at the festival to make an impact. Rattletree Marimba had dozens of fest-goers dancing on Barton Springs Road both Friday and Saturday nights. Look for a big turnout when the impressively melodic collective plays...
-Michael Corcoran, Austin360
Talking to Joel Laviolette...is like listening to world music while reading a National Geographic magazine.
-Carson Barker, Austin Music and Entertainment Magazine
I AM totally amazed at the size of their Marimbas!! WOW -it's almost Surreal ~ you've really got to see this!!! The sounds are Amazing & So Much fun to dance with!!!! -Sydney Strahan, facilitator-Houston Ecstatic Dance
The more I listened to Chamukwenjere the wider my frequencies became, which means that I could go to higher planes of existence. The song is a vehicle to higher astral realm. It is simply beyond words. -Ambuya Stella Chiweshe-Zimbabwean Musician (Piranha Records)
I was extremely impressed with the craftsmanship of the marimbas! The show was mesmerizing. The music was so beautiful and hypnotic, most people couldn't stop dancing and they were fabulous to watch. Looking forward to another show!! -Hannah Williams, Austin Musician
I've heard all the best players of Zimbabwean music for over 20 years, and Joel Laviolette is a serious chain in the link of it's continuity.-Ralph White, Austin Musician
A group of semi-geeky guys mixed with a little surfer-wannabes, with a lot of white-boy-gone-Zimbabwe. Fabulous sounds. Fascinating seeing these lily white guys sing and play African music with as much passion and talent as if they were from the continent.
-A'Muse Media, Houston