There is something pure and unadulterated about using acoustic instruments versus plugging in.  In these days of computer enhanced recording techniques and slick production, it is a treat to find a band that plays barebones and authentically.  With roots in traditional Celtic, bluegrass, reggae, country and Cajun, the Clumsy Lovers create a newfangled sound that is genuinely fresh and exceedingly fun.  They return to play Jazzbones Saturday after a long absence.

Formed in 2000, the Victoria, B.C. quintet of Trevor Rogers (guitar, harmonica, percussion, vocals), Andrea Lewis (fiddle, vocals), Chris Jonat (bass, vocals), Jason Homey (banjo, mandolin) and Gord Robert (drums), never set out to be a “band.” They were just five musicians who loved jamming, but soon fans were demanding more than the occasional gig.  Between 2000 and 2003, they issued four live discs. Finally in 2004, the group released its studio debut, After the Flood. While the disc was polished, it retained the rootsy vibe of their live shows with a nice mix of self-penned originals and barn-burner renditions of traditional Celtic and bluegrass tunes. 

The follow-up came one year later with Smart Kid, on which Clumsy Lovers upped the ante of creativity to include folk-rock and progressive country.

My fellow Volcano scribe Angela Jossy interviewed Clumsy Lovers.  Check it out Thursday when our rag hits the streets. â€" Tony Engelhart

[Jazzbones, Saturday, April 7, 9 p.m., $12-$15, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]