"Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast," the verse from Congreve goes. It's an often misquoted phrase, and though I'm a literature buff I had to look it up to make sure I had it right. It's a true thought - how often does music help us through rough times and even enlighten good times too. And when the music is great and the lyrics are fun, when the band is live and lively and witty, the combination of great playing and singing and tongue twisting creativity can bring us to a higher plane. That was the case the other night when I was invited by a wonderful friend to see the band Washboard Jungle at Dixon Place. The invitation described them as being a "post-modern jug band," and though that sounded entertaining, I wasn't prepared for the great time I had. I'm not sure how many instruments they used on stage that night - according to the Wikipedia listing, "they've used up to 40 musical instruments and household utensils in their live shows, including washboards, spoons, bongos, pennywhistle, melodica, a potato masher, a carrot grater, a toy hammer, a vacuum cleaner, water glasses and digital samplers." Except for the vacuum cleaner and digital samplers - though they may very well have been there - I saw most of those various things that night plus many more, all played with skill, vigor, verve and exuberance that I haven't seen matched anywhere. Follow them on Facebook and watch for their next show - it's an experience that is not to be missed and will be remembered with joy ever after.
Washboard Jungle: Sunnyland!
Featuring
Henry Hample On Fiddle
Stuart Cameron Vance On Guitar
Bob Goldberg On Keyboards
McPaul Smith On Bass
Live At Dixon Place
161A Christie Street, New York City
www.dixonplace.org
Facebook Washboard Jungle
Blessings,
Jannie Susan
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