RED STICK RAMBLERS

Biography

The Red Stick Ramblers were a dynamic Cajun and Western Swing band formed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1999 by a group of Louisiana State University students, including Linzay Young and Joel Savoy[1][2][3]. Their name is a direct translation of Baton Rouge ('red stick' in French), reflecting their deep Louisiana roots and commitment to regional musical traditions. The group quickly gained recognition for their energetic blend of Cajun, Western swing, gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and honky tonk, earning OffBeat Magazine's Best Emerging Cajun Band award in 2002[2].

Throughout their career, the Ramblers developed a reputation for both honoring and innovating traditional music. Their repertoire included classic Cajun songs, Western swing standards, early jazz and blues covers, and original compositions inspired by these genres[1][2][5]. The band's musicianship was lauded for its authenticity and versatility, with members contributing vocals and instrumentals that showcased influences from artists like Bob Wills, Django Reinhardt, Dennis McGee, and Doc Watson[2]. Their albums, notably those released on Sugar Hill Records, helped introduce Cajun and swing music to new audiences across the United States and beyond[4][5].

The Red Stick Ramblers' legacy endures through their impact on the Louisiana music scene and their role in revitalizing interest in Cajun and Western swing styles. Their innovative approach, blending tradition with fresh arrangements and original songwriting, inspired younger musicians and contributed to the ongoing evolution of American roots music[2][5].

Fun Facts

• The band's name, 'Red Stick Ramblers,' is a direct translation of Baton Rouge from French, reflecting their Louisiana heritage[1].
• Members met while attending Louisiana State University, and several were anthropology majors[1][6].
• Their music was described as 'authentic Cajun gypsy swing,' blending Western swing, gypsy jazz, and Cajun styles[2].
• They won OffBeat Magazine's Best Emerging Cajun Band award in 2002[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Michael Doucet - Virtuoso Cajun fiddler who praised the Ramblers as 'cultural bohemians' and influenced their approach to Cajun music. (Liner notes for debut CD) [Early 2000s]
• Marc and Ann Savoy - Renowned Cajun musicians; Joel Savoy, a founding Rambler, is their son and was steeped in their musical tradition. (Family musical legacy, Les Jeunes Gens de la Prairie) [1990s–2000s]
• Bob Wills, Django Reinhardt, Dennis McGee, Doc Watson - Stylistic influences cited by the band for Western swing, gypsy jazz, Cajun, and bluegrass styles. (Influence on repertoire and arrangements) [Referenced throughout career]

Key Collaborators

• Linzay Young - Lead vocalist and fiddler, founding member (All albums, live performances) [1999–2014]
• Joel Savoy - Founding fiddler, son of Marc and Ann Savoy (Early albums, Les Jeunes Gens de la Prairie) [1999–early 2000s]
• Chas Justus - Guitarist and vocalist, admired Django Reinhardt's style (All albums) [1999–2014]
• Eric Frey - Bass player, songwriter ('Katrina') (All albums) [1999–2014]
• Blake Miller - Band member (later years) (Live performances, albums) [2010s]
• Glenn Fields - Drummer, also played with Savoy-Doucet Band and Bluerunners (All albums) [1999–2014]
• Josh Caffery - Mandolin player, songwriter (Early albums) [1999–early 2000s]
• Kevin Wimmer - Fiddler, vocalist (Albums, live performances) [2000s]
• Wilson Savoy, Ricky Rees, Oliver Swain - Past members (Various albums, live performances) [1999–2014]

Artists Influenced

• Younger Louisiana roots musicians - Inspired by the Ramblers' innovative blend of Cajun, swing, and bluegrass; helped revitalize interest in traditional styles among college-age audiences. (Local bands, festival acts) [2000s–2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Main Street Blues (Bring It on Down)
2. Made In The Shade (Made In The Shade)
3. The Cowboy Song (Made In The Shade)
4. My Suitcase Is Always Packed (My Suitcase Is Always Packed)
5. Les Oiseaux Vont Chanter (Made In The Shade)
6. Laisse Les Cajuns Danser (Made In The Shade)
7. That's What I Like About the South (Right Key, Wrong Keyhole)
8. Katrina (Made In The Shade)
9. Je T'aime Pas Mieux (My Suitcase Is Always Packed)
10. Drinkin' To You (My Suitcase Is Always Packed)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia