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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 | |
| 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]
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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]
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- 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]
| 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] |
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