This Washington, D.C. quartet performs the lively music that earned them the 2007 Wammie for Roots Rock Recording of the Year for Live at The Barns—The Legendary Wolf Trap Recordings Volume Two.

Called “the hardest working band in D.C.” by The Washington Post, the roots rock quartet known as the Grandsons has been shaking up the local music scene since 1986. Vocalist/guitarist/trumpeter Alan MacEwen, D.C. blues veteran and percussionist Matthew Sedgley, and saxophonist Chris Watling combine New Orleans rhythm and blues, rockabilly, swing, and country two-steps for a sound that is all their own.

The band started as the Grandsons of the Pioneers and developed their unique live shows and musical blend that remained constant, even after their name shortened. Critics and fans alike immediately took to the free-spirited style showcased in their 1991 debut, Howdy from the Grandsons. Their follow-up album, It’s Hip to Flip with the Grandsons, won a Wammie for Record Design from the Washington Area Music Association, the first of many the band earned numerous categories including Best Roots Rock Group and Best Pop Group.

After more than 20 years together, the group continues their critical success. In 2007 they received a Wammie for Artist of the Year and their latest release, Live at The Barns: The Legendary Wolf Trap Recordings, Volume Two, was dubbed Roots Rock Album of the Year. Recorded at their 2006 Barns performance, Live at The Barns captures the band’s trademark horn-powered rhythms and festive concert atmosphere. The CD matches the infectious energy and acoustically rich sound of Volume One, recorded in 2001. The Washington Post praises the album, calling the music “dependably lively, rootsy, and affectionate.” Live music enthusiasts can also hear the Grandsons on Raise The Roof—A Retrospective: Live at The Barns at Wolf Trap (2004), a benefit album for Wolf Trap Education Programs.

The Grandsons have been featured in festivals around the country and have performed with national acts such as Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, the Iguanas, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Crowds continue to be impressed with this “the ultimate roots rock party band” (WAMU 88.5 FM).

­—Libby Rector Snipe