In 2010, after both having recorded and played separately for more than 45 years, Mike Ballantyne and Rick Van Krugel joined forces as a ragtime blues duo. Together, as The Hokum Steamers, these seasoned entertainers deliver good-time, authentic and definitive renditions of 1920s & 1930s ragtime blues, hokum, jug band songs and gospel. They also give their songs historical place, time and context.
Mike sings, and plays guitar; Rick sings, and plays a wide variety of mandolins, as well as playing guitar and comb & paper.
At the end of 2011 The Hokum Steamers recorded 14 tracks of early blues and gospel.
This was released on their CD,
Doing the Cater Street Shimmy in January 2012 on their "House-Rent Records" label.
1. Sadie Green (The Vamp of New Orleans) (Jay C. Flippen, 1926);
2. Don’t Think I’m Santa Claus (Lil McClintock, 1930);
3. Hesitation Blues (Traditinal: W.C. Handy, 1915; Sam Collins, 1927);
4. No Hiding Place Down Here (Old South Quartette, 1928);
5. Mama Don’t Want It (Lillie Mae, 1931);
6. Cocaine Blues (Luke Jordan, 1927);
7. It’s All Worn Out (Hokum Boys, 1929);
8. Jug Band Music (Memphis Jug Band, 1934);
9. Nehi Mamma Blues (Frank Stokes, 1928);
10. In My Time Of Dyin’ (Traditional: Blind Willie Johnson, 1927; Josh White, 1933);
11. Titanic Man Blues (Ma Rainey, 1925);
12. Shine On Me (Traditional: Trad: Blind Willie Johnson, 1929);
13. Wining Boy Blues (Jelly Roll Morton, 1938);
14. Shout You Cats (Hezekiah Jenkins, 1931).
Their music and performance is geared for festivals, folk clubs and outdoor events.
And they also give Workshops in ragtime blues style, gospel, mandolin & Old-Time music.
For information please contact Mike, Tel: (250) 652-7614
Electronically: mike@folklore.bc.ca
www.hokumsteamers.ca