An interview with the band:

 The Junco Royals

They've been all around town. Playing at the Bootleggers Ball, Porchfest and even opening for the Squirrel Nut Zippers at the Ritz Theater. The band members include Madison who plays guitar, Molly the clarinetist, William on Banjo and Sean on Tuba. Madison, William and Molly take turns on vocals for a great mix of vocal styles. We luckily had a chance to talk with them and ask a few questions. Here is a little bit about this new local band.

How did you meet?

"How we met: Madison and Molly (guitar and clarinet) had been playing music together for a bit and decided to check out an open mic night where they heard William (banjo) playing a set of traditional jazz tunes. It's rare to hear that style around here so they were eager to approach him about their similar musical interests. The three started playing together and quickly realized that their musical vision was compatible. Later that year, Molly discovered that an old friend of hers from college (Sean-tuba) had recently moved to town. She invited him over to play and after one rehearsal they realized how much magic the tuba bought to their sound."

Where did the name Junco Royals come from?

"The name Junco Royals: The word Junco came from a cool tune that William brought to the table called "Junco Partner"

...that got us thinking about the word. The Junco is a modest , everyday north american bird with a pleasant song. We sort of identify with that image...we are all humble individuals. The Royals part of it comes from our affinity for New Orleans culture. Much of New Orleans culture is about finding the royalty or specialty in everyday things and the people around you."

Describe the roots of your sound and inspirations:

"Our inspirations: We all definitely have a common thread - old. And, even better is old and obscure. It's pretty uncanny that all of us have such similar tastes coming from all different backgrounds. We listen to a lot of the old folks: Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Lil Hardin, Harlem Hamfats, Django, Sidney Bechet. But there's also this burgeoning movement of traditional jazz revivalists playing in the modern era: Tuba Skinny, Old Fish Jazz Band, The Hippocampus Jass Gang, Smoking Time jazz band, Tamar Korn, Meschiya Lake, The Boxcar Boys. We really look up to these contemporaries because they are working with all the same tools as us and they set the bar for what is possible now."

Question: If you were an animal, which animal would you be?

Madison: "a mongoose, (to Sean) You definitely said elephants and William definitely said owl. I'm a dragon

William: "an owl, the bad a** bird of the night..."











Madison: "Sean is an elephant"
Sean: "Loved all of it, but elephants? Put me down for a bear. That was William that likes elephants"

Molly: "a lamprey haha"







We had so much fun getting to know this band. I know I just can't wait to hear them again!
If you are interested in finding more about this band and their gigs, check out their Facebook page. The Junco Royals

-Jen Seidl

The Dancing

This Saturday night First Coast Blues and Lindy Society is holding their Christmas Swing dance party. And guess who is playing! The Junco Royals! Come join us at the Monarch Ballroom 7 pm - 11pm for a night of frivolity and dancing. For more details Click Here.

Swing-out with us this Sunday night at the Volstead! There will be a free dance lesson starting at 7PM sharp. The dance floor opens up right around 8PM. As always, there is no cover to enter! Swing Dance Sunday is 21+. There's always plenty of street parking available.

Address:

The Volstead

115 W Adams St, 

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Check out the bar's website here

The Volstead

The Lessons

December 1st and 8th, the First Coast BLS is offering Beginner Collegiate Shag Lessons. Come burn off those Turkey Calories with us 7:30-10:30 pm!