Never ones to tire of the chance to ask a few quick questions, Cumberland Shuffle grabbed a bit of time with Michael Gamble, the bandleader of Michael Gamble and his Rhythm Serenaders. Check out what Michael had to say about bringing his band to Nashville!

Cumberland Shuffle: We're so excited to have you play for us at Cumberland Shuffle! What about your band do you think makes them such a good fit for the event?
Michael Gamble: We're super excited too. In a time where there seems to be a lot of tension between those that love Dixieland and "Trad Jazz" (due to swing dancers' rediscovered passion for New Orleans), and those who prefer a later, smoother Swing-with-a-capital-S sound, the Rhythm Serenaders are happy to blur that line, not by presenting a grab-bag of styles, but by settling into an early-to-mid 30's groove sculpted from pieces of old arrangements designed to grab at your Charleston/Early Jazz self as well as your Lindy Hop alter ego.

CS: Quite the compound sentence, there, mister! Very descriptive, and sounds right on with the sort of amazing sound we'd like to have at Cumberland Shuffle. We heard you're working on some new arrangements (lucky us!)--what new arrangement are you most excited to debut?
MG: Well, it's no fun to give it away before the party… but I have been ferociously transcribing some great ideas from my current favorite arranger George Scott Wood, who worked with the legendary Six Swingers, so you can expect more than one nod in that direction. Though I think my favorite new tune overall is an original work-through of Rug Cutter's Swing, one I've had in my head for a long time, and can't wait to debut.

CS: Woohoo! It sounds like eventgoers are in store for a whole lot of good things coming from you guys. What are you most excited about for Cumberland Shuffle, other than that beautiful drive through the mountains?
MG: Having Shuffled many-a-Cumberland in my past, I have to say what I love most about it is the super-friendly, almost silly atmosphere, which sets such a great social dance mood but does nothing to take away from everyone's serious love of and devotion to the music and dancing. I'm always happy when I'm there, and can't wait to come back!

And we, of course, can't wait to have Michael Gamble back, especially with his Rhythm Serenaders! You can find out more about our featured band on the Music page, but one thing's for sure: make sure you register so that you don't miss out on all the amazing dance tunes they'll be playing for us!