Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
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There’s some great music coming out of Richmond, Va. Went out to see Jackass Flats at Pisgah Brewing on Saturday night and was super impressed. Can’t wait to give their new record a full listen.
Next up out of Richmond is The Hot Seats. They’ll be playing the Jack of the Wood on March 19. More:
Richmond based stringband/oldtime/ragtime impresarios The Hot Seats are touring in support of their latest release, EP 2010, a 4 song vinyl 7″ record with a 7-song download. This release represents the band’s closest foray into the world of traditional music, featuring traditional oldtime and country rag tunes from sources throughout the South – showing that they are capable not only of stretching bonds, but also strengthening them. The EP has been described as a “musical journey through various string band and old-time styles . . . all blending together to make that perfect old-time sound.” (Magazine 33). Independent reviewer Lanny Fields claims, “You can search far and wide and you will not find anyone playing old-time music with this level of sincerity and drive. Other young stringbands either play it too safe, or so haphazard and punkish that it comes off as hokey and contrived. The Hot Seats know how to honor the tradition while bringing it into the modern era with rare intensity.”
For the last 7 years they have toured far and wide in the US and UK, most recently in support of their 2009 full length album – Retreat to Camp Candy Temptation Island – which has been described as “an explosive concoction of old time music engrossed in the present,” (Bootleg Magazine), “spectacular music” and “pure entertainment” (Scotland on Sunday), and that the band “seems determined to keep jug band and skiffle music alive with humor, energy, and real musical chops.” (Banjo Newsletter). In 2011, the band will be slowing down its touring but still has plans for plenty of gigs, including a late summer trip back to the UK and Holland with a stop at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
