Bono, Sting, Johnny Depp, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Bill Frisell, Lucinda Williams,….the list is impressive. Gramps name-drops not only obvious influences like Mississippi John Hurt and Bob Dylan, but plenty of lesser-known musical artists like the hapless NW drifter Rollin’ Joe, and actor Robert Mitchum, who had a rockabilly hit in the 50’s with lyrics about running moonshine in souped-up cars, Thunder Road.īaby Gramps’ largest commercial success came inadvertently when he was asked to contribute to the hit 2006 compilation Rogue’s Gallery, produced by Hal Wilner and boasting a roster of artists seldom equaled in popular entertainment. Often as not some of the audience will dance, and this can be anything from couples swing dancing to a willowy ingenue’s interpretive gyrations in front of the stage. His lyrics evoke bygone magic and parties of the moonshine era, and he has a vast repertoire of folk materials which are nightly poured into various molds and recast as modern Americana. Utilizing not only fingerpicks, but extended strumming techniques and an exquisitely elastic time feel, Gramps can “rag” anything he chooses to, but he can also call down the spirits, setting ethereal moods and spellbinding trances.

Robert Christgau, of The Village Voice, called Gramps 'A deep original with a rooting in blues.' which is a complete understatement. It is rare for any club to extend that kind of support to any artist, and there has to be a reason why Gramps has survived several booking managers at the bar. Going back about 25 years, Gramps brings his singular vocal stylings and steel resonator guitar each month to the beloved Portland venue. Portland's best-kept musical secret is a long-running First Friday residency at the Laurelthirst Public House by Seattle’s Baby Gramps.

Writer Michael 'Shoehorn' Conley is one of the performers who regularly back up Baby Gramps. Baby Gramps Time Warp at Laurelthirst Public House Friday, July 5th, 2019 / Previewīy MICHAEL 'SHOEHORN' CONLEY // His lyrics evoke bygone magic and parties of the moonshine era, and he has a vast repertoire of folk materials which are nightly poured into various molds and recast as modern Americana.

Baby gramps tour