Defender of the Roots
Protector of the Soul
Toussaint The Liberator Band is a well seasoned group of musicians that have more than 100 years of experience combined performing, writing and recording music. They have been working individually for years and now have come together to form a supergroup of sorts with the express goal of centering black and brown artists who are attempting to seek, learn and utilize the medicine present within African American culture in particular and the many cultures of the African Diaspora more broadly. They endeavor to preserve the history of black and brown music and the rich history of resistance to oppression that it represents.
With a husky baritone that is the epitome of soul, and with musical influences that range from roots reggae to gospel to neo-soul to hip hop, the Toussaint experience is a medicinal feel good ride for listeners.
The son of a Baptist preacher and a gospel singer, Toussaint spent the majority of his youth singing in various churches in Indiana where he grew up.
He came to Boston in 2001 and quickly made a name for himself, initially recording with the band Red Pill. He then recorded an album with The China Band featuring the powerful voices of his mother and siblings on "Love The Almighty High" in 2003. In 2007, he wrote and recorded "No Place Like Soul" with the band Soulive and was featured on their international tour, opening for legendary artists such as Isaac Hayes, The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews Band. In 2010, he made waves in the reggae scene when he wrote and released a solo album called Black Gold, with producer Tippy Alfred of IGrade Records in St. Croix. His undeniable charisma powers a velvety sound that lingers in your mind long after the music.
In addition to his musical endeavors he has has been very active within the community. His From S.L.A.V.E. to S.O.L.D.I.E.R drumming program was a weekly program for almost three years within Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Plymouth MA. He has done workshops in schools, churches and community centers across New England for the better part of fifteen years. He has lead the Stone of Hope Drum Circle at the Friends Meeting House in Cambridge for more than 7 years.
Currently, Toussaint is based in Massachusetts and is playing shows and leading workshops locally and across the country.