(Spooky Ol') Ellen Doster
Vocals, washboard, kazoo, whistle, percussion Uncle Bob Doster
Vocals, guitar, harmonica, ukelele, duck call Jennifer Bagwell (Banjo Jen)
Vocals, banjo and cello Bob Mariotti (Doc)
Mandolin, fiddle, banjo Tex Ragsdale (the Professor)
Upright bass, melodica
Influences
Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Memphis Jug Band, R. Crumb & the Cheap Suit Serenaders, Fats Waller, Even Dozen Jug Band, Lovin' Spoonful, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Billy Holiday. Anything from the 20's and 30's, Depression-era, urban old-timey sound. Swing, zoot suit, and blues...it's all good! Heavily influenced by Deputy Dawg, Kate Smith, Ol' Yeller, Jimminy Cricket, Will Rogers, Stan Rogers, Buck Rogers, Mister Rogers, Roy Rogers and Trigger, The Ol' Philosopher and Bart Simpson.
Sounds Like
"Cats and dogs scrappin' in the alley"...only with strings!
HEY KIDS! Here's three new recordings for your listening pleasure -- but wait, there's more! The first song is all-new, by our own Uncle Bob Doster: "Earworm." (You know, those tunes that stick inside your head? If you've never had one, you will now!) Anyway, this is the real us -- live and loud.
(Our videos are courtesy of Bob Rayment ...Thanks, Bob!)
And here's some nice things folks have said about us ...
"The Motor City Sidestrokers were clearly the audience favorite at a recent benefit concert we hosted. They have a passion for old-time music that is infectious. Take a chance on these folks...you won't be disappointed."
--Bill Keith, Trinity House Theatre
"Everyone agrees that last week's show with the Motor City Sidestrokers was one of the best, and we have no desire to say otherwise! The Sidestrokers were operating in high gear, mesmerizing the audience with their musical charms. It was an awesome night, for sure."
-- Maggie Ferguson, Host of "Old Front Porch" radio show, Oakland University.
"It was a delight having you perform at Farmfest. Your energy and talent is exactly what we look for each year when choosing artists."
--Stacy Jo Schiller, Farmhouse Music Organization.
"Did I mention their great vocals and musicianship? Bob has a voice to be reckoned with; Ellen sings torch songs as they were meant to be sung. Tex and Jen add bass, banjo and deft harmonies ... and Doc plays fiddle and mandolin like his fingers are on fire. So take my recommendation and catch the MCSS next time they come around...you'll be a fan, too!"
-- Dennis Kingsbury (a.k.a. Floyd King of Bushwacker fame) singer/songwriter, Live! From the Living Room.
"They are the bees knees...I'm an official monkey-head!"
-- Tom Mansell, Paint Creek Folk Music Association
Who we are and what we do:
The Motor City Sidestrokers embrace the Depression-era scores, but perform their own original material with the same jump and stomp! The husband-and-wife team of Bob and Ellen Doster takes on the lead and harmony vocals, with Bob on guitar. Doc Mariotti is its resident fiddler, mandolin and tenor banjo player. Jennifer Bagwell adds 5-string banjo, cello, and sweet harmonies. And Tex Ragsdale slaps a bass line while lending back-up vocals. They encourage an interactive performance by inciting controlled rowdiness. Come for the music and stay for the fun!
Thank you for being a huge part of our Spring Fandango. It was a blast and you guys were fantastic! We forgot to give Tex his Birthday Cake. Boooooo! Smoocheroos, CJ & John
You guys just plain rip it up. Tell Ellen that she sounded awsome on vocal...just awsome...and the rest of you cats got it goin on. LOVED it and love you guys. dont forget, we gotta get together for some beers and fun over the summer....and spring.......and fall.... winter too I guess.
