Those Dreamy Cavemen

Roscoe Gray, (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, musical compass, maracas, haji bongo, bartender) who followed the Grateful Dead for years in a tangerine-colored VW micro-bus (in his mind), bought a guitar. He already knew how to sing a million songs, so it didn’t take him long to learn where to put his fingers.

Jimmie Carl, (guitars, vocals, pedal steel guitar, accordion, fiddle, harmonica, purveyor of songs, unable to resist strange, heavy instruments) fairly certain that he was born 10 years too late, was foolishly convinced that a 40-lb. accordion and a 100-lb. pedal steel guitar would be chick magnets. They were, but unfortunately, there was no room left in his car for any women.

Steve Jackson, (bass, vocals, hotel reservations, Buddy Holly trivia, obscure movie dialogue) named after an action-figure in his mind, continued to live a virtuous life, hoping that one day Karma would manifest itself in the form of a shiny new bass fiddle — and room to store it.

As for MacGyver (drums, percussion, technical support, art designer, ability to play without sticks and cymbals), he finds it comforting to know that he can handle Caveman rhythms with sticks and cymbals as optional equipment. The truth — or, shall we say, the “simple” truth: MacGyver could make you dance by tapping on the old toaster on your kitchen counter, while wearing oven mitts.

Finally, for the moments that call for additional electric guitar or homemade hot sauce, the Cavemen enlist the services of guitarist Scott Thurston (no, not that one). Although it’s hard to coax the jalapeno-loving, organic gardener off his neo-hippie compound, it’s always worth it – especially when he brings the salsa.

So perhaps these Cavemen aren’t as simple as they claim? Perhaps this old, simple music exerts a power so mysterious and complex that someday it might change the world! To quote another SNL alum, Medieval barber Theodoric of York: “Nah!!!” This band is simply a lot of fun.