"Corn, Taters & Rye"
You may have correctly discerned from the title of this recording that
these songs were distilled from the traditions of Appalachia, Ireland, and the
American hinterland. In the process, they have assumed elements that are warm,
tasty, and satisfying. Dipping a little deeper into the barrel, you may find
a few impurities, and perhaps a bit too much aging (usually not in oak lined
barrels, but in oak paneled pubs). Nonetheless, we present this selection of
new and vintage Ramblering with the hope that it brightens a winter night, eases
a rough road, or provides a welcome and soothing respite from a day that was
just too darned perfect.
Track List
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"Hard Times" 4.38 MB
"General Taylor" 2.95 MB
"Four Sheets to the Wind"
A collection of Shanties, Whaling Tunes, River Songs and Lake Boat Ballads
The art of shanty singing is probably as old as the art of
sailing. Most nautical cultures had work songs. The earliest European record
is 1493; a cleric traveling aboard a Venetian galley noted how sailors worked
harder and in unison when spurred by a song. The form matured on English and
American ships, reflecting Nordic and Gaelic origin, but with the strong influence
of the Caribbean and African sailors in those merchant navies. The majority
of familiar tunes come from 18th and 19th century shanteymen, and the art all
but died along with sailing ships and their sailors. A few contemporary sea
songs have been included...three by Stan Rogers. Our appreciation of his work
should be obvious.
Track List
Cover Art
"Struttin' & Frettin'"
with special guest, Larry McDaniel, the "Arkansas Traveler"
Track list
Cover Art
"Live at the historic Players Playhouse Detroit"
"Live" was recorded at the historic Players Playhouse in Detroit on February 23, 2001.
The Club was founded in 1910 as a gentleman's organization, dedicated to promoting amateur theater. Built in 1925, the playhouse remains virtually unchanged, featuring a warm and bohemian theater, "hemp and sand" in the lofts and twelve black-tie Frolics a year. All activities, including maintenance, are handled by the membership. The building is also home to Theatre Arts of Detroit and the Fine Arts Society of Detroit.
This disc contains 23 Rambler favorites, recorded digitally for the first time. Everyone had fun this evening and we think it shows!
"Howling Gaels: Our Irish Ramblings"
For years friends have asked if we had a recording of our "Irish stuff". For years we said "No". But it sounded like a good idea. Finally we got together over a few beers and recorded these tunes. With so many great songs to choose from, we tried to include the most requested favorites and a few new ballads to boot. We also went to great lengths to record them in the true Ramblers style. Naturally: with a quarter century of experience and absolutely no natural light. Just like sitting around in your local pub. Add beer and smoke to taste. Slainte'!
Available on Road Kill Records, this CD features such favorites as "Ol' Dun Cow", "Fat Man", "All for Me Grog" and the Rambler original
What's that you say? Are these CD's available for purchase? Why of course they are! For a nominal fee ($12.00/disc) you too can own the best Rambler albums out there! Just email Kevin for more information.
And as an extra-special bonus, check out this alternate, non-album, version of the Rambler favorite "Wild Horses". It should give you more of an idea of what the Ramblers are all about (and if you figure it out, please let us know!)