The Cachagua (kush ow´ uh) Playboys were born when five Monterey Bay-area musicians discovered a shared passion for Cajun and zydeco music and began to play their own versions of traditional songs at local clubs and festivals. The mix worked, bringing punks, geeks, toddlers and seniors alike to their feet in joyous response to the music’s infectious rhythms.
However, we must issue this warning: THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL MUSIC BAND. Though the fiddle, accordion, rubboard and triangle clearly announce the band’s bayou influences, just as clear are the jangly guitars, bass and drums revealing their eclectic influences including blues, folk and rock.
January, 2001 marks the release of their first CD, “The Cachagua Playboys,” containing mostly original songs (plus covers of Jerry Garcia’s “Deal” and a Professor Longhair classic) and a blend of styles that could only be described as “Americana.”
The Cachagua Playboys have shared the stage with Robert Earl Keen, Asleep ad the Wheel, Steven Bruton, The Iguanas, Deke Dickerson and Danny Poullard. They have appeared at The Monterey Bay Blues Festival, The Monterey World Music Festival and KPIG’s sold-out Humbug Hoedown in Santa Cruz.
The Cachagua Playboys are: Jay Burriss, accordion, guitar, lead vocals; Pat Clark, fiddle, guitar, lead vocals; Mike Eckstrom, guitar, rubboard and vocals; Rick Chelew, bass and vocals; John Tallon, drums and vocals.
