THE EVEN DOZEN JUG BAND

The Even Dozen Jug Band

The Even Dozen Jug Band was a one-off collaboration from 1964 and the first project for a couple seriously talented—and important—artists.  It's sort of amazing that music like this existed in 1964.  As far as folk music goes, it was one of the more pretentious periods of songwriting.  Topical folk songs written by "singing journalists" like Phil Ochs were very a la mode.  Even Dylan's pre-electric shift from apparent protest songs to love songs and confessional ballads was controversial in many Folk circles.  There was nothing topical about The Even Dozen Jug Band—though, if you ask me, "Evolution Mama" should be used in a evolution vs. Creationism documentary.  Their whole sound just reeks of fun.  It's super vaudelillian, filled with violins, guitars, mandolins, kazoos, harmonicas, washboards—you name it! Their interpretations of traditional songs are awesome.  Simply a joy to listen to.  

As I suggested earlier, The Even Dozen Jug Band was a bit of a launching pad for some seriously notable musicians.  These musicians included John Sebastian (lead vocalist and songwriter from The Lovin' Spoonful) and Maria Muldaur.   

The Even Dozen Jug Band