Rag Mama Rag

Rag Mama Rag

Rag Mama Rag is an English acoustic blues duo active since 1991. The group consists of Ashley Dow and Déborah Dow, and it builds its sound around a broad range of acoustic instruments rather than a conventional full band line-up.

Style and repertoire

The duo works within country blues and related acoustic blues styles, with a repertoire rooted in 1920s and 1930s music. Its set list spans Mississippi blues, East Coast ragtime, early white country tunes, original compositions, and other regional styles from the same period. The group is also associated with modern acoustic blues, blues, country blues, and acoustic Chicago blues.

Instruments and performance

Ashley Dow plays acoustic guitar, National and Dobro resonator guitars, bottleneck guitars, Weissenborn acoustic lap steel, ukulele, and vocals. Déborah Dow plays harmonica, washboard, percussion, and backing vocals. The duo is known for a full, driving rhythmic sound.