The Dodge Brothers make tunes of proven merit: original songs fired by jug-band blues, skiffle and early rock 'n' roll, delivered with an American tang and a British eye. Led by Alabama-raised guitarist and vocalist Mike Hammond, with Aly Hirji on guitar and mandolin, Mark Kermode on bass and harmonica, and Alex Hammond driving the rhythm on washboard, snare and percussion, they turn transport, heartbreak, homicide, bad men and strong women into irresistible entertainment.
Their records include Louisa and the Devil, Memphis-recorded The Sun Set, and DriveTrain, hailed as “essential listening” by BBC Radio 2's Whispering Bob Harris. Onstage, their route has run from the 100 Club and Jazz Cafe to the Roundhouse, Royal Albert Hall and Cropredy, sharing bills with Wanda Jackson and Jools Holland while building a reputation for packed houses.
They are also acclaimed silent-film accompanists, collaborating with Neil Brand from BFI Southbank to Glastonbury and the Arctic Circle. Their version of “Rock Island Line” appears in Brian Epstein biopic Midas Man, with the band onscreen as the Beatles' 1961 Cavern support. Expect grit, wit, locomotive rhythm and old-time music with a pulse. The Dodge Brothers don't recreate history: they make it swing again, right here, tonight.