the early years |
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Amy Hanish Anderson dropped out of the Rhode Island School of Design in 1972, creating cosmic space for her momentous meeting with Ragtime and Blues enthusiasts 'D. Douglas' Red Riley and Gilby Hager. Riley declared her a singularly gifted vocalist and Hager emphatically agreed. Shortly thereafter, the three hooked up with fledgling violinist Diane Orson and stride-piano maniac 'Handsome John' Garrick and The Ragwagon Band was born.
Ragwagon became known for their musically astute, enthusiastic, free-wheeling shows and soon found themselves in demand on the New England folk club and coffeehouse circuit. Fondly remembered gigs include Salt in Newport, RI, an extended run at Cape Cod's Beachcomber Inn, and regular visits to the infamous Jolly Beggar Saloon in Mystic, Connecticut, a venue Red now grudgingly admits Diane was far too young to patronize.
| refining the sound |
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The mid-seventies brought important changes when Diane moved on to college and John was given the opportunity to further his promising acting career. Gilby, Amy, & Red, performing with bass player Gary Macdonald, developed a tight blend of ragtime jug band music, blues, folk rock, and country while turning themselves into veteran performers, clearly at home with an audience and each other. A favorite audience quote: "We loved going to see you at The Jolly Beggar, you seemed to have such a good time performing that we'd be swept into your mood and always leave smiling.."
Toward the end of the decade, with Gil feeling the need to continue his education, and both Amy & Red developing a strong interest in theater, Ragwagon decided on a short break from performing to pursue these and other interests. It was mutually agreed that this step would enable each individual to develop as an artist and bring back to the group influences that would make the total Ragwagon experience more enjoyable for all concerned.
This short break lasted approximately twenty-five years.
Next: KEEPING THE FLAME