Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band Music For Parlours and Promenades Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band are a three-piece outfit hailing from Manchester. Comprising of Dr Andrew ‘blind boy’ Butler (Banjo-Ukulele, Harmonica and Washboard) Papa John McKay (Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals) and Black Jack Barnet (Double Bass and Vocals). Referring to themselves as a ‘good-time’ band they approach their music with two simple aims – to make people dance and smile. Clad head-to-toe in vintage finery and wielding instruments one would expect to find adorning the walls of an antique shop they have performed in every kind of venue you can make music in and half a dozen you can’t. Their songs, delivered with vaudevillian-like timing, reveal a depth of musicianship reminiscent of the blues and jazz greats of yesteryear. Successfully managing to blend style with musical substance, never have the words ‘unique’ and ‘refreshing’ been so applicable. In the short time since their formation The Hatstand Medicine Band have entertained crowds up and down the UK and in Europe and with performances already booked at festivals such as the The Big Chill and The Lynton and Lynmouth Folk festival, 2008 is set to be an another exciting year. ‘Music for Parlours and Promenades’ was recorded at the Cutting Rooms Studio by Mick Routledge (Jah Wobble) and represents the bands first release. Increasing their line-up to seven the band are joined on the album by musical luminaries Aiden Smith, Nick Walters, Tullis Rennie and Mush (The Bottom Feeders).
