What’s that twangy rhythm I hear?
Four years ago the Thrift Store All-Stars were just a group of friends who got together each Sunday for barbecue, beer and a friendly, acoustic jam. Gradually these eight Joshua Tree amigos developed their own intriguing mishmash of folksy jazz and rockabilly melodies.
Metromix caught up with singer/guitarist Bingo Richey to get the low down on these high desert music makers.
Describe your sound for me.
It’s organic. It’s folk, yes, but it’s coming from reggae and bluegrass. It’s organic, folk music that’s influenced by everything we have ever heard. I mean Victoria (Williams) has such a hold on jazz it makes my head spin. It’s good time, dancing music.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
There’s a zillion. Some of my favorite artists are Los Lobos, Lila Downs. I’m not too much up on current music, but we love the Dead, of course.
Where’d the name come from?
I have no idea. We were probably sitting around one day throwing around names, laughing a lot at the funniest ones.
So where can we catch a live show?
We stick around here mostly. We’ve done some benefit shows in LA, but it’s a loose thing we do to have fun and as soon as we start taking things seriously we’re capped. We want to put good energy into the universe and help other people feel comfortable about doing the same.
Check out the Thrift Store All-Stars every Sunday at Pappy and Harriet’s.
