The Butcher's Bag

The Butcher's Bag on Myspace

Formed by vocal/guitarist Charlie Gilb and drummer Dave Saladin in 2008, the goal was to create a unique sound that mixes elements of gypsy, vaudeville, dark cabaret, folk, and jazz. The lineup was completed with the addition Jack Payne (bass/cello), and Sarah Muellerleile (keys/violin). In Summer of 2009, Owen Brafford joined the band as the lead guitarist and sometime clarinetist.

Charlie's raspy crooning and howling backed by Sarah's raunchy, dissonant organ and Owen's eerie atmospheric guitar comet together to form an intricate web of upper register harmony and melody. Jack's thumping, effects-laden bass and Dave's powerful, kinetic drumming form a solid foundation for the band's music. The Butcher's Bag uses a wide array of other instrumentation, from cello to melodica, mandolin, clarinet, saxophone, bells, and a steel keg to create an even more eclectic, eccentric sound. The Butcher's Bag creates music the likes of which you've never heard. The end result could be described as a horrific circus of beautiful nightmares.