WASABI: Wasabi was founded in 1998 in Arcata CA. Originally the band consisted of the Work Brothers Ron and Alex on guitars and drums and bass player Matt Robinson. In 2000 the band moved to Santa Cruz CA. Around 2001 the band expanded to include keyboardist Mike Emerson. In 2005 Matt Robinson moved to Sacramento CA to help start the Jazz Studies Program at Sacramento State College and Mike Emerson moved on to a long continuous career as a touring keys player and is currently playing with the Tommy Castro Band.

In 2005 local Santa Cruz bass wunderkind Dan Robbins joined the Brothers Work on their musical quest.  The power trio plays primarily original music, with a few select covers, rooted in a meld of funk/rock/jazz/world/hip hop/dance music.  Wasabi’s tunes draw from the personal journeys of its members and a revolving collection of special guests who frequently sit in on various instruments and vocals.  Among this list is bassoonist Paul Hansen, singer Tammy Brown, keyboardist Eddie Mendenhall and steel pan player Derek Smith to name a few. The music is creative and fun with unique twists and turns and lends itself to dancing as well as contemplative listening. 

Music | Wasabi The Band