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<p>THE HACKNEY RAMBLERS </p>
<p>BRINGING YOU THE CAJUN SOUNDS OF LOUISIANA... </p>
<p><strong>The Hackney Ramblers </strong>have been playing Cajun Music for many
years and are firmly established as one of the top bands in the country. The
core of the band started playing together in the Crayfish Five, amongst the
first of the British bands to explore the great sounds of Louisiana. Formed
in the mid 80s they rose out of the London pub circuit to appear at major venues
and festivals throughout the UK. The Crayfish split in the early 90s but after
a short lay-off emerged as <strong>The Hackney Ramblers. </strong>The name
is a nod to pioneer Cajun band "The Hackberry Ramblers" from Hackberry
Louisiana. <strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>The Hackney Ramblers </strong>features the classic Cajun line-up,
accordion and fiddle backed by guitar and drums. Accordion player Tony Weatherall
has played with many of the leading Cajun bands in the UK. including LeRue
and the Boat Band and has toured extensively throughout Britain and Europe. </p>
<p>Fiddle player Andy Lockwood is a well-seasoned musician equally at home playing
swing-jazz, swampy blues or straight cajun, each take a turn on vocals. </p>
<p>Guitar and drums are provided by Charlie Collinson and Pete Towler both long
serving members of the London music scene. </p>
<p>New members in <strong>The Hackney Ramblers </strong> are Loraine Baker on
double bass and Jeff Mead on electric guitar and lap-steel. Loraine started
out with The Bluebird Cajun Band and now fronts her own bluegrass outfit "Baker's
Fabulous Boys". </p>
<p>Jeff is yet another stalwart of the London circuit having played with Cajun
rockers Le Rue, Slim's Cyderco and numerous other bands on the new-country
scene. In demand as a session musician Jeff also tours with US rockabilly star
Sonny George. </p>
<p>Using the classic cajun dance-hall repertoire as a starting point the The
Hackney Ramblers are not afraid to add different flavours to the pot, 30s string
band fiddle tunes sit alongside creole blues, straight down the line cajun
honky-tonk and western-swing. The whole thing adds up to an irresistible, steamy,
gumbo straight from the Louisiana bayous. A 100% cayenne powered dance machine
guaranteed to get you moving! So pull on your dancing shoes, get on the floor
and enjoy the great sounds of the Hackney Ramblers. </p>
<p>" This long established band play excellent Cajun dance music. " </p>
<p>(Cajun Life and Times) </p>
<p>" The Hackneys were just superb. Thanks to Tony and the gang for giving
us a brilliant night. We love you all. " </p>
<p>(Cajun uk.) </p>
<p>" The HACKNEY RAMBLERS fire up a fine cajun gumbo, happy music performed
with the right spirit." </p>
<p>(Folk Roots) </p>
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