LIVE: Ramblin Jug Stompers @ The Linda, 10/2/09

Ramblin Jug Stompers exploded onto the stage of The Linda last Friday with their original mix of down-home humor, virtuoso instrumental musicianship and highly original song interpretations. The fun ‘n’ funky acoustic performance was a celebration of their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Hobo Nickel.”

With Cousin Clyde on acoustic guitar, Mister Eck picking the mandolin, banjo shredder Bowtie and washboardist-harmonica man Wild Bill rounding out the front-line foursome, the evening’s highlights included stellar vocal harmonies, the sparkling original instrumental “Frypan Jack Enters Into Heaven” and even a blistering, behing-the-back Jimi Hendrix-style solo on manual typewriter!

With solid upright bass accompaniment by Mitch Throop, Ramblin Jug Stompers performed two inspired sets for an adoring audience. Special guest singer-songwriter Jim Gaudet paid tribute to the band with a solo performance of his new song, “The Ramblin Jug Stompin Boys,” and later joined the band – along with other special guests Luke McNamee (sax) and guitarist-vocalist Ruth Pelham – for several wild, free-for-all selections at the end of the night.

The entire performance was recorded for broadcast on WAMC-FM at a future date. If you want to hear some funky jug band music and have a hearty laugh, go see the Jug Stompers at the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton on Friday, October 9.

Review and photographs by Andrzej Pilarczyk. See more of Andrzej’s photos from the evening here.