Sheesham, Lotus & ‘Son, a trio from Canada, bring a distinct and lively approach to traditional folk music. Specializing in old-time Appalachian sounds, the group – Sheesham Crow (fiddle, harmonica, vocals), Lotus Wight (the nom-de-guerre of Sam Allison – banjo, bones, vocals), and Son Sanderson (sousaphone, bass harmonica, vocals) – has carved out a niche by breathing new life into early American musical forms.

Back in 2018, they recorded three songs for The Influences in Utrecht – before seemingly disappearing for a few years. But, they’re back! And so the time is right to finally publish this (now in its own right old-time) session. Please enjoy Down In Your Pockets, Viola Lee Blues and Lazy John. If this session doesn’t cheer you up, you better find yourself a professional to talk to.

Viola Lee Blues

Noah Lewis was an influential American harmonica player and songwriter, known for his work with Cannon’s Jug Stompers, a popular jug band in the 1920s and 1930s. The song Viola Lee Blues was first recorded by Cannon’s Jug Stompers in 1928, and it became one of their most famous tracks. It is a classic example of the early blues genre, reflecting the struggles and hardships of the time, particularly with themes related to imprisonment and injustice. While it is deeply rooted in traditional blues, its popularity has endured, with the Grateful Dead’s cover in the 1960s bringing it to a new audience.

Music can be fun.

Sheesham, Lotus & ‘Son’s repertoire draws heavily from the 19th and early 20th centuries, weaving together elements of blues, ragtime, and jug band music. What makes them stand out is not just their technical skill, but their ability to transform each performance into a lively, immersive experience. With a nod to the traveling medicine shows of yesteryear, their stage presence is as much a part of the performance as the music itself, complete with period costumes and handmade instruments.

Photos

Keep watching

Thank you for watching and enjoying this session. You’ll probably like some other sessions from The Influences’ archive too, like these earlier ones we filmed that include traditional songs.