The Muddy Basin Ramblers | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Origin | Taipei, Taiwan |
Genres | |
Years active | 2002–present |
Members | David Chen TC Lin Tim "Thumper" Hogan Cristina Paradise Zach Paradise Conor "Redman" Prunty Will "Slim" Thelin |
Past members | Marie-Josée "Mojo" Laviolette Eddie Lin Zoë Moffat Sandy "Sandman" Murray Dana Wylie |
The Muddy Basin Ramblers are a jug band formed in 2002 [1] by a group of American and British expats residing in Taipei, Taiwan. Their music is heavily influenced by 1920s and 1930s blues, jazz, and traditional string bands. [2] Many of their songs are also inspired by traditional Taiwanese folk music [3] and their experiences within Taiwanese culture. [4] [5] The Ramblers got their start playing on the street, riverside, and practicing in bars after hours. [6] The band performs predominantly in English, but also performs in Mandarin and Taiwanese. [7] All members of the group are multi-instrumentalists, often switching instruments after each song during live performances. They incorporate many homemade instruments like washboard, washtub bass, and jug. [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
The Ramblers perform predominantly in Taiwan, but have also played in Hong Kong and Japan. [13]
Their albums have received recognition in the art world for their unique and creative design. [14] In 2015 and 2020, the albums Formosa Medicine Show and Hold that Tiger [15] were nominated for the Grammy Awards in the Best Recording Package category. [13]
In 2016 the band gave a TEDx talk on the importance of " jamming" and how the process led to the writing of their albums. [16] In 2023, the band was the featured guest on the "Taipei Tonight Show" with Dennis Nieh. [17]
David Chen (
Resonator Guitar,
Guitar,
Banjo,
Lead Vocals,
Banjolin,
Lap steel guitar, Ukulele)
Tim Hogan (
Washboard,
Drums, Vocals)
TC Lin (
Trumpet,
Baritone,
Tuba, Washtub Bass,
Sousaphone, Vocals)
Cristina Paradise (
Fiddle,
Piccolo,
Suona,
Ukulele, Mandolin, Washtub Bass, Vocals)
Zach Paradise (
Saxophone,
Banjolele,
Nose Whistle,
Recorder,
Whistling,
Jaw harp, Guitar, Washtub Bass, Kazoo, Vocals).
Conor Prunty (
Harmonica,
Washtub Bass,
Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals)
Will Thelin (Lead Vocals,
Jug,
Trombone,
Kazoo,
Tap dance,
Comb and paper)
[17]
David Chen and The Muddy Basin Ramblers (2007)
Formosa Medicine Show (2013)
[18]
The Dance Age (2016)
[19]
Hold That Tiger (2018)
[20]
Jug Band Millionaire (2024)
[21]
Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 57th Annual Grammy Awards | Best Recording Package | Formosa Medicine Show - The Muddy Basin Ramblers | Nominated | [22] [23] [24] [25] |
2014 | Golden Pin Design Award | Best Design | Formosa Medicine Show - The Muddy Basin Ramblers | Won | [26] |
2020 | 62nd Annual Grammy Awards | Best Recording Package | Hold that Tiger - The Muddy Basin Ramblers | Nominated | [27] [28] [29] [30] |
2020 | Golden Melody Awards | Best Recording Package | Hold that Tiger - The Muddy Basin Ramblers | Won | [31] |
2020 | Independent Music Awards | Best Blues Song | Dharma Train - The Muddy Basin Ramblers | Nominated | [32] |
2020 | Independent Music Awards | Best Producer Roots/Country | David Chen - The Muddy Basin Ramblers | Nominated | [32] |