Playing and singing with ability, spirit, and authenticity, The Rhythm Rats have truly made old-time music their own. Members of the band first got together to play as a trio in 1988 and promptly become one of the most highly-regarded of the young old-time string bands. Today they continue to perform music that’s timeless and down-to-earth, spirited, evocative, occasionally dark, and more often than not, highly danceable.
Kenny Jackson is best known for his traditional old-time fiddling, but he's a compelling singer, banjo player and guitarist as well. Kenny's earliest inspiration was the tradition of homemade music and singing that often took place when the family gathered at his grandparents' Kentucky home place. Influenced by elder masters and younger contemporaries, archival field recordings, and old commercial records of string band music, he pursued old-time music with a passion. The result is that Kenny has become a master in his own right, distinctive in his own music while deeply rooted in traditional sources. Kenny has been a part of one outstanding string band after another— touring in the mid-80s with Leftwich, Higginbotham, and Jackson, co-founding The Rhythm Rats in 1988, and Big Medicine in 1999.
Paula Bradley (guitar, banjo-uke, vocals, feet) With the Rats and others, Paula has performed at festivals, dances and concerts across the country. She’s also taught old-time back-up guitar at the various music camps, including Augusta, Swannanoa and Valley of the Moon, and at numerous workshops. Paula is known for her driving guitar style, influenced by the stringbands of the 1920’s and 30’s, her punchy banjo-ukulele playing, her sweet lead and harmony singing, and her grace as a flatfoot dancer. In addition to being an original Rhythm Rat, Paula has performed with Bruce Molsky and Tony Trischka as the trio Jawbone, and currentyly performs in the duo Moonshine Holler with her husband, Bill Dillof, as well as playing piano and singing with the honky tonk band Girl Howdy.
Whitt Mead (banjo, fiddle, guitar) Simply one of the best old-time banjo players around, Whitt’s playing combines technical mastery with taste and an understanding of the essence of old-time mountain style banjo, having learned well from old-time masters like Kyle Creed and Fred Cockerham. His inspired playing on the fretless and fretted 5-string banjo helps put the rhythm and drive in the Rhythm Rats' music. Whitt is also an enthusiastic and accomplished fiddler, and has a large repertoire of rare and unusual tunes. When called upon, Whitt can also provide impeccable guitar and banjo-uke rhythm playing. His performing experience goes back to having played with Company Comin', one of the best-loved touring string bands on the festival circuit in the 1980s.