Quick Q and A with Jim Kweskin
 by Kathy S-B  ·  12 September 2009

The me&thee coffeehouse is beyond excited to present Jim Kweskin for the very first time in its storied 40-year history. As one music writer explains, “The fun side of folk music was explored by the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. During the five years they were together, the group successfully transformed the sounds of pre-World War II rural music into a springboard for their good-humored performances.” To get a taste of Jim's music, visit his MySpace page or check out this video.

Can you explain (to the uninitiated) what jug band music is all about?

Jug band music began in the early 20th century. It was mostly performed by black rural musicians on guitars, banjos, fiddles, harmonicas and a slew of homemade or inexpensive instruments such as washtub bass, washboard, kazoo and of course the old crockery jug. The music was a mixture of blues, old time jazz and goodtime hokum. Recordings by the best of the early jug bands such as The Memphis Jug band, The Dixieland Jug Blowers and Gus cannon’s Jug Stompers, were very popular in the late 20s and early 30s.

Has jug band music come in and out of popularity? Or has it remained a constant within the “folk” genre?

As noted above, Jug Band Music was popular in the late 20s and early 30s. Like most traditional rural music, its popularity ended during the early years of the Great Depression. Jug band music became popular again, especially with college-age students, during the folk music boom of the early and mid 60s mostly due (I say with all humility) to the success of my band, The Jim Kweskin Jug Band.

How would you describe the music scene in Boston and Cambridge when you began playing there?

One word — Vibrant.

You and Geoff Muldaur go way back. How best would you explain the music that you make together?

We have always played an eclectic blend of blues, folk, early jazz and western swing with an acoustic contemporary twist.

Do you follow contemporary music at all? If so, have you heard anything knew that you like?

I like The Mammals. Actually there are quite a few modern musicians I like and respect from the not so new Gypsy Kings to Beyonce. Good music and talented musicians can be found anywhere, even on the streets. I love the “Playing For Change” DVD.

Photo by Steve Covault