The Muddy Basin Ramblers

The Muddy Basin Ramblers are a jug band formed in 2002^[1] by a group of American and British expats residing in Taipei, Taiwan. Their music is heavily influenced by 1920s and 1930s blues, jazz, and traditional string bands.^[2] Many of their songs are also inspired by traditional Taiwanese folk music^[3] and their experiences within Taiwanese culture.^[4][5] The Ramblers got their start playing on the street, riverside, and practicing in bars after hours.^[6] The band performs predominantly in English, but also performs in Mandarin and Taiwanese.^[7] All members of the group are multi-instrumentalists, often switching instruments after each song during live performances. They incorporate many homemade instruments like washboard, washtub bass, and jug.^{[8][9][10][11][12]}

The Muddy Basin Ramblers
The Muddy Basin Ramblers performing at National Taiwan Concert Hall Summer Jazz Outdoor Party in 2017
Background information
Origin	Taipei, Taiwan
Genres	blues jug band roots rock
Years active	2002–present
Members	David Chen TC Lin Tim "Thumper" Hogan Cristina Paradise Zach Paradise Conor "Redman" Prunty Will "Slim" Thelin
Past members	Marie-Josée "Mojo" Laviolette Eddie Lin Zoë Moffat Sandy "Sandman" Murray Dana Wylie

The Ramblers perform predominantly in Taiwan, but have also played in Hong Kong and Japan.^[13]

Their albums have received recognition in the art world for their unique and creative design.^[14] In 2015, 2020, and 2024 the albums Formosa Medicine Show, Hold that Tiger, and Jug Band Millionaire^[15][16] were nominated for the Grammy Awards in the Best Recording Package category.^[13]

In 2016 the band gave a TEDx talk on the importance of "jamming" and how the process led to the writing of their albums.^[17] In 2023, the band was the featured guest on the "Taipei Tonight Show" with Dennis Nieh.^[18]

Members

David Chen (Resonator Guitar, Guitar, Banjo, Lead Vocals, Banjolin, Lap steel guitar, Ukulele, Tenor Banjo)
Tim Hogan (Washboard, Drums, Vocals)
TC Lin (Trumpet, Baritone, Tuba, Washtub Bass, Sousaphone, Vocals)
Cristina Paradise (Fiddle, Piccolo, Suona, Ukulele, Mandolin, Washtub Bass, Vocals)
Zach Paradise (Saxophone, Banjolele, Tenor Banjo, Nose Whistle, Recorder, Ukulele, Whistling, Jaw harp, Guitar, Washtub Bass, Kazoo, Vocals).
Conor Prunty (Harmonica, Washtub Bass, Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals)
Will Thelin (Lead Vocals, Jug, Trombone, Kazoo, Tap dance, Comb and paper)
^[18]

Discography

• David Chen and The Muddy Basin Ramblers (2007)
• Formosa Medicine Show(2013)^[19]
• The Dance Age (2016)^[20]
• Hold That Tiger (2018)^[21]
• Jug Band Millionaire (2024)^[22]

Awards

Year	Award	Category	Nominee(s)	Result	Ref.
2014	57th Annual Grammy Awards	Best Recording Package	Formosa Medicine Show - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Nominated	[23][24][25][26]
2014	Golden Pin Design Award	Best Design	Formosa Medicine Show - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Won	[27]
2020	62nd Annual Grammy Awards	Best Recording Package	Hold that Tiger - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Nominated	[28][29][30][31]
2020	Golden Melody Awards	Best Recording Package	Hold that Tiger - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Won	[32]
2020	Independent Music Awards	Best Blues Song	Dharma Train - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Nominated	[33]
2020	Independent Music Awards	Best Producer Roots/Country	David Chen - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Nominated	[33]
2024	67th Annual Grammy Awards	Best Recording Package	Jug Band Millionaire - The Muddy Basin Ramblers	Nominated	[34]