An authentic stringband sound...

 The roots of 20th century popular music...

The RJO re-create the spirit of the times with their affectionate take on the good-time dance music of the cabarets, jook joints and honky-tonks of the American South.

They draw inspiration from: ragtime and vaudeville songs; country blues of the 1920's to 1950's; the shared tradition and hillbilly blues; jugband, skiffle and string-band music; silly 1920's pop songs, jazzy 1930's hokum, and 1960's acoustic favourites. 

"The dancers went wild. Then I saw the beauty of primitive music. Folks would pay good money for it."  W. C. Handy

from the originals...

The RJO draw on material from: Mississippi John Hurt, Charlie Patton, Willie McTell, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Blind Boy Fuller, Bukka White, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Jimmie Rogers, Woody Guthrie, Doc Watson, Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers, The Memphis Jug Band, Leadbelly, Mississippi Sheiks, Jesse Fuller, Tampa Red, Jazz Gillum, Frank Stokes, Big Bill Broonzy, Bo Carter, The Harlem Hamfats, Memphis Minnie, Bob Dylan, Jim Kweskin, Bonzo Dog, Randy Newman, Mungo Jerry and many more...

“The Ragtime Jug Orchestra: Shakers, washboards, harmonicas, mandolins, kazoos, guitars and cider jugs. This duo will really impress with their authentic jug band music."   Winchcombe Jug Band Festival

to RJO interpretations...