About The Band

The Reynolds Brothers Rhythm Rascals, led by brothers John and Ralf, specialize in hot, swinging, Washboard Jazz.  The brothers’ music originated in the 1920’s and ‘30s, when groups like the Washboard Rhythm Kings, the Georgia Washboard Stompers and Clarence William’s Washboard Band sold millions of records.  The carefree, swinging hot jazz created by these bands is served up by the Rhythm Rascals with verve, style and a dash of humor.

With over 30 years apiece in the music business, John and Ralf have followed in the entertainment footsteps of their grandmother, the legendary early film star ZaSu Pitts.  While Americans were buying washboard band records in the ‘20s and ‘30s, they were entertained by ZaSu’s classic films, including the classic Hal Roach comedies she made with Thelma Todd.  The Reynolds Brothers have inherited her gift for entertainment, and every performance is an energetic mix of great jazz, comedy and even a bit of film trivia.  It’s safe to say that there is no other jazz band in America today like the Rhythm Rascals.

Brother John Reynolds on banjo and National guitar is one of the most accomplished guitarists and banjoists in the early jazz idiom.  He has worked with many greats, including Cab Calloway, Julie Andrews and the Smothers Brothers, has toured Europe and Japan, and was a founding member of Mood Indigo and the Palm Springs Yacht Club.  Brother Ralf has the distinction of being the only person ever to have a 30 year career as a professional washboard player, while holding down residencies at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.  Ralf’s skill and delicacy on his instrument is beyond belief. 

The Brothers have surrounded themselves with some of the best musicians active in the hot jazz idiom today.  You’re invited to join the party at the next Rhythm Rascal performance!

In addition to many years at Disneyland and Walt Disney world, the band has performed at music festivals all over the US, including:

Sacramento Jazz Jubilee
Live Oak Music Festival
Sweet & Hot Music Festival
Big Bear Lakes Jazz Festival
Colorado River Jazz Festival
Sleeping Giant Swing ‘n Jazz Jubilee, Helena, Montana
San Clemente Jazz By The Sea
San Diego Thanksgiving Jazz Festival
Santa Cruz Jazz Festival
Dixieland Monterey Jazz Festival
Oregon Dixieland Jubilee
Victoria Jazz Fest, British Columbia
Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival
Glacier Jazz Stampede
Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic,  Clearwater, FL
Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival
Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee
Redwood Coast Jazz Festival, Eureka
Pismo Beach Jubilee By The Sea
Swing in the Colony

The Reynolds Brothers are regulars at the Steve Allen Theatre in Hollywood, CA.  The also perform at other outstanding venues such as:

The Balboa Pavilion, Balboa, CA
Imperial Ballroom, Fullerton, CA
The Awahnee
The Derby

John and Ralf have also appeared on The Gong Show and the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.