Charlottesville - The first time I saw the Hogwaller Ramblers at Fellini's #9 was on one of those hot, chaotic nights.  I met Jamie Dyer previously around town, and after having many engaging conversations, I knew it was only a matter of time before Magazine33 would come knocking on the Hogwaller Ramblers' door to arrange a review.  After I saw them perform for half a set, I was impressed that these musicians were as intricate as they were underrated.  Their lyrical compositions form a story that combine a variety of cultural accents and genres of music, such as Celtic, bluegrass, and rock and roll.  Their fluid rhythms, excellent musical prowess, along with vibrant energy prompted me to spread the word about such impressive musicians.  On July 16, the Rock River Gypsies opened up for the Hogwaller Ramblers on the Downtown Mall at the Charlottesville Pavilion to a passionate crowd of fans that basked in the musical aura of the day.  I noticed a swarm of bare feet dancing hysterically and generally having a splendid time.  Something was truly magical about this particular show and it was apparent when everyone stomped out every kind of dance you could imagine.  The Hogwaller Ramblers proved to be a band that fuels a dancing mood and guarantees a good time that adheres to anyone and everyone willing to relax and let the music take you away.

The Hogwaller Ramblers, a five-piece band, displayed a spectrum of skillful instrumentation that lifted the eyebrows and raised the skirts at the Pavilion, where shyness was never an issue.  A rocking band with a little dash of bluegrass swagger, Hogwaller Ramblers currently consists of Jamie Dyer (guitar, vocals), Sandy Gray (lead guitar), Rolland Colella (violin), Cristan Keighley (drums), Bud Bryant (bass, backing vocals), and Jimmy Stelling (banjo).  Since 1991, they have been influential in every aspect of the revolving Charlottesville music scene.  As they classify themselves under the genre of "blue trash," they vastly underestimate their place as fantastic musicians.  They claim that they are “the ingrown toenail of the local music scene”; however, they give themselves far too little credit.  They are the original, quintessential Charlottesville rock band and they are a force to be reckoned with.  The Hogwaller Ramblers are the epitome of working musicians that have as much experience as expertise.

Jamie Dyer’s lead vocals rang through with persistent resonance.  Accompanied with a mean acoustic guitar, Jamie kept pushing blissful yet aggressive notes that became simply irresistible.  The lead guitarist, Sandy Gray also displayed his proficiency upon the electric guitar that reverberated into crowd and provided that ripple into the composition, like when lighting sparks the dark.  As the two guitars sang together, the heavenly banjo played by Jimmy Stelling stayed buoyant and upbeat.  Stelling is part of the family responsible for making the trademark Stelling Banjos that have remained some of the most desirable banjos worldwide.  Stelling played the banjo as if someone would play an electric guitar, and the effect was incredibly amazing; every note that bounced and reverberated in my inner ear highlighted the grassiness to the rocking, acoustic elements found within the Hogwaller Ramblers.  As the notes beckoned from Stelling’s banjo, Gray’s electric, and Dyer’s mad acoustic, Rolland Colella added one of the most intense violin renditions I have truthfully ever seen.  Just as the flames that painted the surface of his violin, he extracted devilishly heated notes where he was the master at the helm, directing the waves of stinging notes in expert progression.  As if the fine skills were not impressive enough, Bud Bryant and Cristan Keighley were right there adding a resilient backbone and playing off one another brilliantly.  As Keighley kept perfect timing with Bryant’s masterful bass, they were both consistent and in accord.  I also observed the blending of each musician’s style and ability in conjunction with their bandmates, transforming the unexpected into an elaborate root while seeming intentional and polished.

If any readers in the Charlottesville area have not already seen the Hogwaller Ramblers, you positively owe it to yourself to see them.  They play most Sunday nights at Fellini's Restaurant on the corner of the Downtown Mall.  They offer a fabulous live show that make you want to have Sunday become your new Friday.  Fellini’s also offer a nice brunch that includes a Bloody Mary bar and excellent food for a day filled with everything that you love from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm.  However, more importantly, please be sure to catch up with the Hogwaller Ramblers at HogwallerRamblers.com or at Fellini’s #9, which you can call to confirm, located in downtown Charlottesville Virginia at fellinis9.com for food, music, and a romantic ambiance.  For future shows at the Pavilion, you can find other local acts, as well as traveling mainstream performances at CharlottesvillePavilion.com.

By Director and Correspondent: Helen Brown

Although originally from Marion Junction, Alabama, Helen has been living in Virginia for the last three years because she absolutely loves the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She attended Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia, gaining a degree in Philosophy and Psychology.  Helen moved to Charlottesville on a whim because of the unique music scene, interest in the food and wine Industry, and the desire to incorporate music into her professional aspirations.  She is looking forward to listening to an array of eclectic music, observing the local talent, and meeting some interesting people while working with the Magazine33 team!  See you around town ...

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