JD Benjamin - cornet
Chris Cortier - trombone
Joe Keady - tuba
Chris Johnson - banjo/piano
Curt Garey - drums
Janelle Reichman - clarinet
with thanks to Marshall Wilson, Chris Bannon, Alice Bierhorst, and Paul "Fess" Fisher for their friendship, musicianship and support
Influences
Louis Armstrong, New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Bunk Johnson, King Oliver, Fats Waller, Earl Hines, George Lewis, Jimmie Noone, Bix, Billy Banks' Orchestra, Don Redman, Venuti & Lang, Django, Jelly Roll, Papa Celestin's Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Muggsy Spanier, Jabbo Smith, ODJB, Freddy Keppard's various groups, Cab Calloway & the Missourians, the Chicagoans, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Joplin and other ragtimers, and the rich heritage of African-American spirituals and blues can not possibly be understated or summarized here.
We're also inspired and influenced by many brass and punk DIY bands in every form keeping music and communities alive in the world today.
"Brooklyn's excellent Red Hook Ramblers make vintage jazz that conjures a delicious speakeasy vibe: You're just a step away from flappers, fancy shoes and illicit booze."
- TIME OUT NY, November 2009
"After playing exclusively in the Van Brunt Street kitchen on their clarinet player, a group of musicians decided to formally form their band in 2005, naming themselves after the neighborhood in which they jammed. Said to be Brooklyn’s premiere Dixie Land Band, The Red Hook Ramblers are animated and larger than life, and are as delightful to watch as they are to listen to. United by their collective passion for the time-honored musical genres of classic jazz, blues, spirituals and ragtime, the Ramblers take pride in performing this compelling music of a by-gone era."
- BROOKLYN INDEPENDENT TELEVISION, Neighborhood Beat
"the Red Hook Ramblers, a fantastic New Orleans [style] jazz band"
- Julie Taras, NEW YORK MAGAZINE, July 2008
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Each new jazz "friend" is important to us so, we appreciate your add very much.
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