The Shake ‘Em Ups

The lo-fi debut from Austin’s Shake ‘Em Ups unloads an infectious fury of strings, the trio chugging acoustic rhythms braced by banjo, Dobro, mandolin, and Andrew Austin-Petersen’s stellar stand-up bass. Fusing old-time, swing, and jazz on solid folk footing, traditionals like “Jesse James” and “Hand Me Down My Walking Cane” mix with the “Six Days on the Road” send-up “School Bus Driver” and blazing instrumentals.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.