Recently I’ve gotten into bluegrass/country blues music. It’s so lively you can’t help but move to it, even if its just your feet underneath the table. More than just the music, it’s about the scene. From a state fair bandshell to a hole-in-the-wall bar, folks drawn to the twangy vocals and old-time instruments of bluegrass music come to sit back and enjoy. This summer, that’s where I want to be.
Jack Klatt and the Cat Swingers have been called bluegrass, folk, americana, and country blues. I’d call them energetic, compelling, and really, really catchy. I could listen to Klatt’s voice all day, and nothing beats a well-played washboard. My favorite tune from their self-titled album is “Anywhere I Go” – it’s melancholy lyrics are nicely balanced with a sweet little harmony. Their latest album Mississippi Roll features some established country blues acts such as Charlie Parr and Cornbread Harris. I challenge you to listen to “Life’s A Drag (but not mine)” just once without smiling.
The group is playing this weekend at Merlin’s Rest and at our July 22nd dinner on the farm! Listen to country blues/americana/ragtime as its meant to be heard – outdoors with a cold beer in hand. You’ll be living the last lines in “Life’s A Drag” from their Mississippi Roll album… When I’m hearing people say times is hard, the sky is gray I’ll be singing life’s a drag, but not mine!
Monica Rauchwarter
