Bluegrass Blues with Ragged Union

Bluegrass Blues with Ragged Union

A rare chance to see music from the other side of the pond as Ragged Union’s hard-driving bluegrass, with a tinge of the traditional and a healthy dose of the blues, is coming to Brixham Theatre as part of their UK 2016 tour. 

The music from this six-piece Colorado based ensemble, lead by Geoff and Christina Union, is best described by Ron Thomason, of Dry Branch Fire.

“This IS your grandfather’s bluegrass music but not his lyrics or subject matter. These tunes are ‘traditional’ in their approach and presentation, but the subject matter of the lyrics is wholly modern; dealing with angst, problems, even fixations in both a literal and metaphorical way. 

And this is the crux: that’s entirely different in how bluegrass music has been ‘updated’. It is beyond appropriate; it is fresh and innovative while preserving, through their instruments, the things one likes about bluegrass music.”

There is an intimacy and tightness surrounding the vocals, with award-winning instrumental work, a powerful rhythmic drive, and up-tempo arrangements giving way to the edgy, outsider song writing that has become symptomatic of Ragged Union’s style. 

The instrumental prowess of Ragged Union is evident, whether the band is joining in for a fast tempo on “Simple Life,” featuring a solid hook and bluesy female vocal, or on a softer, sweeter ballad such as the waltz, “Two Tracks Coming,” hauntingly sung, spotlighting the lonesome winter imagery so often experienced in the Colorado countryside.

They will be featuring songs from their album 'Hard Row to Hoe', featuring upbeat, rhythmically charged originals with a dose of the uncommon, outside the bluegrass box lyrics and modern adaptations of traditional numbers. 

Band members Christina Union (lead and tenor vocals), Jordan Ramsey (mandolin, vocal), Chris C-Bob Elliot (Banjo), Pat Hoeper (fiddle), and Michael Sivcovich (upright bass), have created a sound that is masterful in the hands of seasoned musicians and with an appeal that is infectious.

“Ragged Union is a powerful new group that has all the essential elements of a great band – top-notch musicians, original material, tight harmonies and blistering instrumentals!”                                                                     Ken Seaman / Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival

“Lead vocalists Geoff and Christina Union have surrounded themselves with some of Colorado's finest acoustic musicians on their latest cd Ragged Union "Hard Row To Hoe."  The Album is a thick and easy Georgia wind on an August afternoon.  Grab a glass of sweet tea, settle back on the front porch swing and enjoy the tunes!”                                                                                                Charles R Humphrey III