The Wandering Bards
North Plainfield, New Jersey, United States
Music
Press
“…People must be stirring up some especially spicy gumbo in New Jersey these days – because I can barely remember a group of troubadours down in the bayou country who served up this much fun. I mean, these guys… cook. The Wandering Bards, with their unique blend of folk, zydeco, funk, blues, and vaudeville – all with just a pinch of irony - are willing to toss just about anything into the JAM-balaya (upright bass, stringed instruments of various kinds, violin, zydeco tie?!) While their approach is eclectic, don’t be miss-led into thinking they’re merely a novelty act. There’s enough artistic sensibility that music lovers from a broad spectrum can savor the raw and melodic riffs supplied in generous portions.” - review by Francis Itch of indie Band Guru - Indie Band Guru
“I dare you to listen to The Wandering Bards and try not to dance – it’s just not possible” – Craig, TheMusicMag.com - The Music Mag
"Their musical flair displays both instrumental virtuosity and percussive genius with surprising ease (along with some ridiculously catchy vocal harmonies)…This is tongue-in-cheek, Nic Cave meets Goran Bregovic meets The Pogues will make you’ll feel like you’re on a carnival carousel on a Saturday night.” – Rick Jamm, Jamsphere - Jamsphere
“The sharp-dressing, gypsy-folk quintet fiddle and strum up a storm on amusingly proletarian subjects: chicken gristle, running out of Spam and their unquenchable will to have a good time! But don’t let all the gags mislead you — these guys are strong musicians, and their joy is infectious.” — Tris McCall, Star Ledger - Star Ledger
"As you can expect with a name like The Wandering Bards, this band is a rag-tag group of wandering musicians playing tunes that are sometimes comical, sometimes funky, but altogether entertaining. The Bards aren’t without talented musicians however, as you can hear a tight knit group that might not take themselves too seriously, but certainly do not sacrifice the musicality in the process. Lulling strings, funked out bass lines staying deep in the pocket, and a carnival-esque amalgam of jesters and seriously talented players hoping to pied piper some listeners into the uproar."
- Cody Blevins - - Vents Magazine
"Fun group of guys here! Nice feel-good music with great vocals. The Wandering Bards will take you on a ride with a cool, vaudeville vibe."
- By Leslie White, IAE Magazine - - IAE Magazine
"One hell of a damn good, down-home time!" - World Rhythm
By Matt Staute
To see a show by the Wandering Bards must be very interesting indeed (judging by their set list) which includes such diverse songs as “Sweet Dreams” (Eurythmics), “Stray Cat Strut (Stray Cats), “Three Little Birds” (Bob Marley), “Cheap Sunglasses” (ZZ Top), and the children's classic…”Froggy-went-A-courtin’?”
Hmmm. Sounds like some unsuspecting audience is in for a delightfully weird evening! - Northeast In-Tune Magazine
"The group's lineup and talents has certainly led the Bards to a unique sound that mixes in Folk, Reggae, Rock, Celtic and Eastern-European-style musical touches." - Westfield Leader
Discography
"Party Hat!"
"The All-New, Good Time Monkey Puzzle Revue!"
"Nos es Music quod Muisc est Nos"
"The Wandering Bards"
Photos
Bio
Entertaining, energetic and eclectic: The Wandering Bards perform a unique blend of music called "Americana-Gypsy Funk". Giving off a neo-Vaudevillian vibe, they'll make you laugh, sing and do any ol' crazy thang with their heady mix of Blue-eyed Blues, dark Gypsy grooves and foot-stompin' party tunes!
From New York City down to the Jersey Shore, The Wandering Bards have graced many-a venue stage (Crossroads, The Saint, Banjo Jim's), Festivals such as The Black Potatoe and Union County Music Fest. They have also performed at private parties, cocktail hours and even libraries! The Wandering Bards video of "ImaBeTheOne" (in partnership with HIP Video) has been featured on the likes of H20 Television and Moviesonline.im They have also been featured on the Internet radio channel HomeGrownRadioNJ.com. They won 1st Place in the Acoustic Category on OurStage.com and thus appeared in Relix magazine.
Press Quotes:
“The Wandering Bard’s music lifts the spirit and gets it soaring…Their musical flair displays both instrumental virtuosity and percussive genius with surprising ease (along with some ridiculously catchy vocal harmonies)…This is tongue-in-cheek, Nic Cave meets Goran Bregovic meets The Pogues will make you’ll feel like you’re on a carnival carousel on a Saturday night.” – Rick Jamm, Jamsphere
"While their approach is eclectic, don’t be miss-led into thinking they’re merely a novelty act. There’s enough artistic sensibility that music lovers from a broad spectrum can savor the raw and melodic riffs supplied in generous portions. I mean, these guys… cook!" - by Francis Itch of indie Band Guru
“The sharp-dressing, gypsy-folk quintet fiddle and strum up a storm on amusingly proletarian subjects: chicken gristle, running out of Spam and their unquenchable will to have a good time! But don’t let all the gags mislead you — these guys are strong musicians, and their joy is infectious.” — Tris McCall, Star Ledger
"Lulling strings, funked out bass lines staying deep in the pocket, and a carnival-esque amalgam of jesters and seriously talented players hoping to pied piper some listeners into the uproar." - Cody Blevins of Vents Magazine
The Westfield Leader says, "The group's lineup and talents has certainly led the Bards to a unique sound that mixes in Folk, Reggae, Rock, Celtic and Eastern-European-style musical touches."
"Fun group of guys here! Nice feel-good music with great vocals. The Wandering Bards will take you on a ride with a cool, vaudeville vibe." - Leslie White, IAE Magazine
Links
