The Ragpicker String Band

The Ragpicker String Band
Yellow Dog Records

Ragpickers Dtring Band CD coverThe Ragpicker String Band is Americana roots at its highest caliber. You certainly cannot argue that statement when you consider the members are all individually recognized as part of the elite class of such players: Martin Grosswendt, Mary Flower and Rich DelGrosso. Each member takes their own turn at vocals and each plays a variety of instruments.

Most of the music is classical blues and ragtime pieces by songwriters such as Sleepy John Estes (three tracks), The Mississippi Shieks, Lil Johnson, Walter Vincson, even jazz master Thelonius Monk. Flower and DelGrosso both penned a couple numbers each.

The three artists all blend to perfection. If you like acoustic music this is certainly a winning formula. Great takes prevail throughout the disc, take your pick. Some of my own personal favorites may be “Honey Babe,” “Black Mattie,” “Lonely One In This Town”and the outstanding take on “Trimmed And Burning.” And of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the humorous take of DelGrosso on Rich Lyons song “Google Blues” explaining how nobody is safe from having their life on the line of the information highway.

The Ragpicker String Band is one of those so-called super groups of musicians, this time in a very pleasing acoustic showcase. You may not see another recording of the three together again, and you may only be able to catch them at special concerts or workshops, so it is well worth the effort to run out and pick up a copy of this disc. Well done and quite enjoyable!

Total Time: 57:16

Honey Babe / Minor Blues / Google Blues / Blue Monk / Clean Up At Home / Motel Towel / Baby Where You Been / Black Mattie / Lonely One In This Town / By Your Side / Milk Cow Blues / Trimmed And Burning / Street Doctor Blues / Bruno’s Dream