Joe Sixpack's New Country, Bluegrass and Americana Record Reviews
May 2005

Red Stick Ramblers "Right Key, Wrong Keyhole"
(Memphis International, 2005)
Recommended! A swell set of acoustic swing drawing on diverse styles, with a lively sense of playfulness and zest that is strongly reminiscent of retro trickster Dan Hicks. This is the Louisana-based band's third album and shows them making a strong transition from a scrappy, enthusiastic amateur outfit into a tight, seasoned combo that should give well-established acts like the Hot Club Of Cowtown or the Asylum Street Spankers a good run for their money. Blues, jazz and various stripes of country, bluegrass and western swing co-mingle in a parade of compelling performances, and the song selection is first-rate: the songs range from old standards by Larry Clinton, Andy Razaf and Harry Warren to classic blues by the great Clarence Williams, and a smidge of Louisiana swamp music from Clifton Chenier and from the Ramblers' own Linzay Young, whose cajun-flavored "La Valse De Chaoui" is an album highlight. This is a fun record; if you like old-time jazz, swing and stringband tunes, then you really ought to check this out!