The Williamson Playboys

These guys have been been a major force in the music industry for more than a century. The father and son duo, Rufus and Cecil Jr., invented Cajun, Blues, Jazz, Electronica, to name just a few musical styles, but have always managed end up ripped off and uncredited.

Just try to picture this: Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" was originally written for Archduke Ferdinand (whose assasination started the first World War!) It was also played on tuba and ukulele.

Incredible? Hard to Believe? Try just plain funny! This group is the brain child of two former Second City Mainstagers, featuring their sharp wit and crazy blend of musical styles, all played with instruments you would never dream of putting together ... in a pop song. I was lucky enough to catch their show while in Toronto and I picked up their CD. Here's a run down of some of my favorite songs:

Mussolini
(a tribute song. "We came down on the wrong side of that story." says Rufus.)

Candle in the Wind
(We barely knew the Archduke, we'll miss his fashion sense.)

Margarine
(a radio ditty exemplifying the virtues of a product that you can eat ... and also run your car on!)

I love the CD but, even though the kids will love the sound, it does have small amounts of swearing, so don't just stick it in the car like I did. Bad Mommy. Check out their video in the section listed "clips". If you enjoy The Williamson Playboys join me in encouraging them to "put a few more clips on their site!"

The Williamson Playboys