King Courgette

King Courgette

King Courgette is a five-piece string band from York, in the United Kingdom, active since 2007. The group plays Americana rooted in bluegrass and old-time styles, with a mixture of swing and hoedown elements, and it focuses mainly on new material shaped by older influences.

Style and sound

The band’s music draws on country, blues, bluegrass and Americana, with an emphasis on old-time, depression-era drinking songs and a rough, improvised string-band feel. Its performances also include percussion played on a pre-war suitcase. Percussionist Wild Zucchini Bill has a background as a long-standing member of STOMP!, the international percussion group known for using found objects.

Activity and appearances

King Courgette performs at gigs and festivals across the United Kingdom. The band also appears on BBC 6 Music and opens for artists including Abigail Washburn, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Oh My Darling and Blackbeard’s Tea Party.

Critical description

The group is described as a lively and varied act, with coverage noting its rebellious character and strong live presence. It is also associated with a party atmosphere at its shows.