"I believe music, along with all the other forms of art, has a very important social role. Even the worst leaders in the world acknowledge that mankind needs more than just food and shelter. But I hope that people won’t forget that it’s not just about looking or listening, but also about sharing and celebrating. The party is what gives art a real purpose I reckon. You can’t fully experience music through a screen. It needs to be live to really understand how important it is."

The Wacky Jugs: The Roots of Future!

It’s easier said than done to reinvent a world wide genre such as the blues. The Wacky Jugs took the challenge from the roots, digging up the past for forgotten grooves, back-step beats and hair standing mélodies. They built a new rural yet urban identity, with the earthy harp and double bass, the bold mandolin and accordion. Bringing back the Juke Joint dances with New Orleans Jives, Rock, Soul and Jugband Stomps, the decadent lyrics emphasized by Jack Titley’s untraceable voice, between Will Shade and Dr John. In 2020,released their 10-tracks album "Wired, Wild and Wicked". In 2022, the jury from the International Blues Challenge in Memphis were moved by their original writing and their will to modernise the style.

(The Wacky Jugs: Jacques Titley, Gurvan Leray, Jonathan Caserta, Rowen Berrou, and Pascal Cuff, Trilj Croatia, Thrill Blues Festival 2023 / Photo © by Roko Pavlinušić / All rights reserved)

They awarded the Wacky Jugs with the first prize, making them, the first European band to achieve such a title, the worthy heirs of this centenary music, and the proud explorers of its future. The Wacky Jugs are: Jacques Titley "Stillpot Jack"; Mandolin, guitar & lead vocals - Gurvan Leray "Super Bok"; Harmonicas - Jonathan Caserta “Sticky Stick Joey”; Double bass - Rowen Berrou "Roy B"; Drums - Pascal Cuff "Belly Button Paco"; Accordion.

Interview by Michael Limnios         Photos © by Roko Pavlinušić / All rights reserved

How has the Blues, Roots and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Rowen Berrou (drummer): Well, all these stories and articles we read in books and magazines as teenagers, movies, documentaries and later videos on YouTube about Blues men, Rockers and so on sure did have a great influence on us, possibly on a subconscious level, like an obscure softpower.

Quite obviously, it showed us that it was possible to live our lives the way we wanted, doing what we love, rather than following a more obvious and reasonable path like the everyday job you were told to find at school since childhood.

So of course, listening and reading all the time about the lives of musicians and meeting other people that are on the same page and playing everywhere all the time sure influenced us in our everyday lives without even thinking about it - we're a product of this counterculture for sure.

How do you describe Wacky Jugs‘ sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Jack Titley (singer): The Wacky Jugs sound evolved from a very acoustic jug band spirit to a more electric and modern writing, mixing together the 2 very different approaches. Our philosophy I think is to try and surprise the audience by using the less common aspects of old blues combined with contemporary arrangements.

We try to think out of the box in our writing, both in rhythm and harmony, to surprise once more, and to make blues evolve in technique, whilst conserving the soul of the music.

"Keep doing it. Keep playing, keep learning new stuff, be curious. Experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things. Be kind with people! Leave your ego in the fridge. The rock 'n' roll way of life is fun and all but you got to keep your head and your body somewhat clear." (The Wacky Jugs: Jacques Titley, Gurvan Leray, Jonathan Caserta, Rowen Berrou, and Pascal Cuff, Trilj Croatia, Thrill Blues Festival 2023 / Photo © by Roko Pavlinušić / All rights reserved)

Why do you think that the Roots music continues to generate such a devoted following in France?

Jonathan Caserta (double bass): We find it funny that people often tell us that we sound "celtic"! When they hear the mandolin, especially played by Jack with his bluegrass and old-time background they associate it to what they know! In Brittany, it's Breton traditional music. There was a revival in Breton music from the early 70's that was pretty much influenced by Irish music and English folk. Breton musicians incorporated the guitar, the fiddle (you won’t hear no mandolin!)... instruments that wern’t played much before in this music.

Nowadays, there is a massive revival in trad-folk music, back to the roots but very innovative too, in Auvergne, Occitania, Brittany, etc.

So, to answer the question, I would say that Roots music might allow people to identify their own tradition or something closer to what they know; and in fact, it’s true that Irish music played a big part in American Roots music. Roots music builds bridges, recalls History from folks point of vue, and maybe makes the listener kind of an ethnomusicologist! Roots music is folk’s music!

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Jack Titley: Riding the 2023 Blues Cruise is definitely one the craziest experiences we’ve had.

Seven days in the Caribbean seas, with 7 stages, 40 bands and 2500 passengers for a boat Festival! Madness!

We couldn’t believe it was happening until standing on the ship. We got to see some of the best Blues players in America. Keb Mo, Billy Branch, Victor Wainwright, Terrence Simiens… and I shook the hand of Taj Mahal, my all-time favorite singer. Mind blowing! A once in a life time experience.

"The Wacky Jugs sound evolved from a very acoustic jug band spirit to a more electric and modern writing, mixing together the 2 very different approaches. Our philosophy I think is to try and surprise the audience by using the less common aspects of old blues combined with contemporary arrangements. We try to think out of the box in our writing, both in rhythm and harmony, to surprise once more, and to make blues evolve in technique, whilst conserving the soul of the music." (The Wacky Jugs, Trilj Croatia, Thrill Blues Festival 2023 / Photo © by Roko Pavlinušić / All rights reserved)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Gurvan Leray (harmonica): Well, I think it's the classical style I miss most. Minimalism. Most of the bands play so loud and very fast our days, it tends to drown the original feeling.

I hope that we are going back to the roots and that the audience will continue gathering to the events, festival and concerts.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Jack Titley: I believe music, along with all the other forms of art, has a very important social role. Even the worst leaders in the world acknowledge that mankind needs more than just food and shelter.

But I hope that people won’t forget that it’s not just about looking or listening, but also about sharing and celebrating. The party is what gives art a real purpose I reckon. You can’t fully experience music through a screen. It needs to be live to really understand how important it is.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Rowen Berrou: Keep doing it. Keep playing, keep learning new stuff, be curious. Experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things.

Be kind with people! Leave your ego in the fridge. The rock 'n' roll way of life is fun and all but you got to keep your head and your body somewhat clear.

The Wacky Jugs - Home

(The Wacky Jugs: Jacques Titley, Gurvan Leray, Jonathan Caserta, Rowen Berrou, and Pascal Cuff, Trilj Croatia, Thrill Blues Festival 2023 / Photo © by Roko Pavlinušić / All rights reserved)