The Washboard
Wizardzpresent musical comedy floated on a sudzy
foundation of clean rhythmand
old-fashioned hot vocals.
Clarinet, andkazoo bubble over the washboard, while the guitar,
bass, and banjo shine thetime
below. Call it hillbilly jazz, vintage washboard fun with anup
beat twist of today.
The quartet's
repertoiregrows from 1920's roots, with salutes to the musical mayhem
of the
Washboard Rhythm Kings,the
Hoosier Hot Shots, and a mess of Memphis jug bands.
They've also added tunesof
today to the mix, including originals and a wink to Elvis, allbathedin
washboard style.
With more than 25 years
ofperformance experience at fairs and festivals,
the Washboard Wizardzusually
keep the music, and the crowd, under control.
As they are happiest
whenseeing an audience grinning, laughing, and tapping their toes,
it's no wonder the Wizardzare
happy all thme.
Featured vocalist
andboardist Steve Drivon played trombone and sang
with The Glenn
MillerOrchestra. That qualified him to play slide whistle with the
Wizardz.
Hanging upside
down,guitarist/banjoist Kurt Abell appeared many
times on the Gong Show
as"Count Banjola." That's why he knows the banjo forward and backwards.
Reedist "Blackwood
Tom"Schmidt has worked with Sourdough Slim and Backwoods Jazz.
That's why he wears
themoniker"King of the Cowboy Clarinet."
That's why his phone is busy.
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