Slocan Ramblers

Formed over a decade ago, the Toronto-based Slocan Ramblers are one of the hottest bluegrass bands in Canada, with several records to their credit, including 2018’s Juno-nominated Queen City Jubilee. Their newest release, Up The Hill and Through The Fog, has been getting consistently stellar reviews, including this rave from Maximum Volume Music: “The chemistry between the band is incredible . . . and the musicianship is sensational. Up The Hill is a magnificent collection, from a superbly talented band.” And Acoustic Guitar Magazine called it “the band’s strongest album yet.” Consisting of Frank Evans on banjo/vocals, Adrian Gross on mandolin, and Darryl Poulsen on guitar/vocals, this hard-driving trio has that classic “high lonesome” bluegrass sound but deftly includes touches of rock and pop to keep things fresh, creative, and free-wheeling. (It seems that everybody loves their cover of Tom Petty’s “A Mind With a Heart of Its Own,” which the Ramblers transform into an ear-caressing bluegrass-rocker.)

Known for their dazzling musicianship and high-energy live shows, these gifted players have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass. Count the CBC’s Tom Power as a big fan: “The Slocan Ramblers put on one of the most vibrant shows of acoustic music I’ve seen in some time. It’s rare for Canadians (especially young Canadians) to play this music with such authority, passion, and yet ability for experimentation.” And Songlines Magazine summed it up nicely: “Contemporary bluegrass at its very best.” Named after the Slocan Valley in B.C. – they clearly know their funky wilderness areas! – the Ramblers effortlessly summon that old-time Bill Monroe magic while reinvigorating this much-loved musical genre. If you love roots music, this one’s a must-see.