For the past three decades the Westcott Jug Suckers from Syracuse, N.Y. have bravely carried the torch for country blues which they present with an authentic jug band vibe.
Following in the fret-steps of pioneers such as Gus Cannon and the Memphis Jug Band, the Hoosier Hot Shots, and Jim Kweskin’s jug band, the Suckers’ have issued a dynamic new disc, Distilled Spirits, pouring a hearty toast to that hallowed musical tradition.
It’s notable how many of the album’s 11 tracks have roots in old New Orleans, including the opener, “Do You Call that a Buddy?” That number was first recorded in 1932 by washboard wizard Eddie Edinborough & His New Orleans Wild Cats.
The tune’s clever intro features Rodney Zajac’s baritone sax blowing a Halloweenish horror-movie vamp punctuated by leader Colin Aberdeen’s animated guitar picking.
Then Aberdeen sings the sad song, asking the title’s rhetorical question answered each time – loudly – by the rest of the band, including mandolinist Shirley Woodcock-Kolb and harmonica honcho Curtis Waterman.
Those two also occasionally take over lead vocals, adding a refreshing variety to the tracks. Shared vocals are a hallmark of the Jug Suckers’ sound, as is Zajac’s reedy rhythmic bottom. His baritone basslines boldly drive the tunes with the power of a tuba complemented by the palpable breathing of his reeds.
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