Last night we ventured out to Hugh’s Room here in Toronto for a performance by The Kruger Brothers, who are among our faves. We first saw them live at Merlefest back in April, and I confess there was a tear in my eye when Uwe Kruger sang Carolina in the Fall. The Krugers consist of Uwe (say Ouvay) Kruger on guitar and lead vocals, Jens Kruger on banjo and Joel Landsberg on bass. All three are masterful musicians, but the Krugers are not so much about 3 individual stars. Together, they make magic. Here’s a nice example I found on the YouTube machine, captured earlier this year at a show in NC. It’s a cover of the Sting song (whoever thought I’d be listening to a Sting song….) Fields of Gold….

The show at Hugh’s Room was generous and rich and creative and fun. It included part of Jens Kruger’s Appalachian Concerto, some of Uwe’s songs, and some nods to their friend the late Doc Watson, including Streamlined Cannonball and Black Mountain Rag. Here’s Black Mountain Rag, also picked off the YouTube machine…

I’ve enjoyed a lot of live music over the years, but The Kruger Brothers is more of an experience than a show. They whisk you off to their unique world from the first note and keep you there for the whole performance. If you ever get a chance to attend one of their shows, jump at it.