Search - Red Clay Ramblers :: Rambler

A uniquely American band that defies classification.

10/09/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Rambler" is the latest studio CD of the Red Clay Ramblers. It is a showcase of the band's breadth, which runs from traditional American ("Cotton-Eyed Joe"), to traditional Scottish ("Queen of Skye"), to original ballad (the heartbreaking "Black Smoke Train"), to brilliant string-band instrumentalism ("Ryan's/Jordan's Reel") to the stone zany ("Hiawatha's Lullaby").The Ramblers don't tour much anymore (except in theatrical productions that they write), which is a shame. If you go back and listen to some of their vinyl albums, you will hear a similar unwillingness to be type-cast as one sort of band or another. They have been around, in one incarnation or another, forever.I think they are great to listen to while driving, because the variety keeps it interesting."

The best ever from a group who never disappoint

James Skrydlak | Pella, Iowa | 08/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Red Clay Ramblers bring together a collection of traditional tunes, older jazz, and original tunes which are squarely in the tradition in the way that only they can. My favorite among a collection of superb tracks is "One Rose/Hot Buttered Rum". "One Rose" is an instrumental reminiscent of Jay Ungar's "Ashokan Farewell"; it segues into Tommy Thompson's "Hot Buttered Rum", a vocal number of equal, though different, beauty. The Ramblers' combination of knowledge of several different but related traditions with creativity and solid musicianship will not be found again."

The best of the best

sailforlife | USA | 10/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My favorite CD from my favorite band. Maybe I'm biased, living in Carrboro where I occasionally see Clay tooling by on his bicycle, and where Tommy used to reside over Cliff's Meat Market before we lost him (we miss you every day...), but this CD always gets the whole family up and singing when it goes in the CD player on a trip. "Queen Of Skye" is transcendental; "Hot Buttered Rum" is as warm as it's title, Tommy Thompson's wonderful baritone glowing from beyond; "Black Smoke Train" still gives me goosebumps; Clay with one of his infamous ditties slays "Hiawatha's Lullaby"; the kids never tire of "Annie Oakley"; and all the rest. Buy this one, buy them all, and support a quintessential American band."