Old Crow Medicine Show

Started as an Appalachian string band of street musicians, Old Crow Medicine Show (O.C.M.S.) has evolved into a tightly-meshed ensemble with keening vocal harmonies, fiddles and banjos. The band, made up of Critter Fuqua (Banjo, Resonator Guitar and Vocals), Kevin Hayes (Guitjo), Morgan Jahnig (Upright Bass), Ketch Secor (Fiddle, Harmonica, Banjo and Vocals), and Willie Watson (Guitar, Banjo and Vocals), play pre-World War II blues and fiddle tunes with a decisive brazenness, and the fiery result equally impresses old-time music fans and modern day roots musicians.

O.C.M.S. joined forces in New York, and soon found themselves rambling across Canada in a van, playing for food and shelter. Eventually settling for a year in the mountains of North Carolina, O.C.M.S. was discovered by folk icon, Doc Watson. This led to many live performances, and O.C.M.S. evolved their style toward a more urban, rollicking jug band sound. Attracting the interest of Nettwerk America, O.C.M.S. put together a self-titled album which shares a wide range of traditional country and blues songs, from reeling mountain party sounds to juggy stomp beats, and a mournful Leadbelly-inspired number.

Despite their success, O.C.M.S. has no illusions that they’re rediscovering the music of the pre-War era; but by reinterpreting and reintroducing this music to new generations, they’re feeding a deep cultural hunger. Old Crow’s assets go far deeper than the songs themselves, they have an unbridled spirit and a voice that’s entirely their own.