When I first saw a punk folk band called Holy Moly and the Crackers, I wished I could get married again just to have them as the wedding band. They were so wildly energetic, brazenly carefree and irresistibly danceable that I couldn’t help but envy whoever might be lucky enough to have them soundtrack their nuptials.
To my mind, The Gin Bowlers are doing the same for jazz and blues as Holy Moly and the Crackers do for folk. Their music feels youthful, gritty and raw—professional, but not polished. “Sleazy horns, original arrangements and sultry rich harmonies make up their unique sound,” their website says. I don’t think I can do a better job of summing them up.
From the honking baritone sax—with its chunky, audible key clicks—to the vocalists’ undisguised English accents, their signature sound puffs out its chest and declares, loud and proud, “We’re doing this our own way.”
This British band comprises vocalist Rachel Lawrence, guitarist/vocalist Joseph Trudgeon, trumpeter Joss Murray, saxophonist Greg Sterland, guitarist/banjoist Gus Dolding, bassist/vocalist Bill Frampton and drummer Pete Warner.
They’ve been a big hit on the festivals circuit, bagging spots at Boomtown, Green Man, Secret Garden Party, Shambala, and even Glastonbury—all events with an alternative, countercultural vibe. (Or at least they had one, originally.) The band has even toured ove
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!
The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. Our writers are paid to bring you the best coverage of the scene possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for as little as $3 a month or $30 a year.
Not ready yet? Register a Free Account to view five articles a month without nags or pop ups.
Already Registered? Log In
If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.