The Club Scene: Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers finally release their full-length CD
Ruby Dee and her band, the Snakehandlers, have only been together since 2002, but already, they seem bound to become a local institution.
On any given weekend, you might find them gracing a community stage in a park or playing a county fair. They’ve opened for stars such as Christy McWilson and Wanda Jackson, and regularly headline on smaller nights at clubs like the Tractor and the Little Red Hen. Whenever you need them, they’re around.
Part of the appeal is the band’s familiar blend of Bakersfield honky-tonk, rockabilly, classic country and Western swing. For true country fans, walking into one of their shows is immediately comfortable, like visiting your neighborhood greasy spoon for breakfast.
On “North of Bakersfield” (Dionysus) is the band’s long-awaited full-length debut, they stray little from that established sound. Dee’s supple vocals offer twang without camp, while her band offers a mixture of Telecaster and walking bass. The recording doesn’t quite capture their fiery live energy, but it’s a noble effort.
With the release of “North of Bakersfield,” Dee and the Snakehandlers are looking to reward their loyal fan base with a tour that includes more free shows and community festivals.
A CD-release party kicks off the tour on Saturday at the Highway 99 Blues Club (8:30 p.m.; $10). Special guests are promised. On Thursday, the band plays a free show at the Marina Park in Kirkland.
