The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Uncle June Sings! A Big And Tall Records Album

It was early in 2025 when we got the first song by a new group for us here at Big And Tall Records. The group’s name was The Burgoo Boys, and they were a bluegrass band from Kentucky. The name of their first song was The Roadkill Café. We decided to go ahead and release it, and it met with some success. We released a total of 5 songs from the group, with the last one being a political commentary song TheBallad Of Elon. This was in July of 2025. We heard no more from the group, and thought they might be busy playing Kentucky county fairs and such. But even after fair season was over, we still heard nothing. Ended up the group went through a dry spell; they had begun promoting and performing their original songs. But they had only 5 songs, hardly a full songbook to be promoting!

 
We tried to contact the leader, John Henry Flort, but none of our calls or emails was answered. We’ve come to realize that burnout can happen to groups. It’s a tough way to make a living and keep things fresh. We decided to quit contacting, and see what happened.
 
During the holiday season, middle December of 2025, we received a song file, and the credits were The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June’s Jug Band! The song was Kentucky New Year’s Eve. We had just enough time for a limited release before New Years, s owe went through with it, despite never hearing about Uncle June’s Jug Band. But the song was different and fun. We eventually talked to Uncle June himself, June McShary. June told us the two groups were hired to play a New Year’s Eve get-together, and they put their heads together and decided to collaborate on a song  The song did very well, and we encouraged them to write some more!
 
On that firs song, Uncle June didn’t sing, but played the kazoo as well as jaw harp. The next song they did was ‘Possum Livin’ Skills, and Uncle June sang on this one. We instantly knew that his voice was for us! Slightly rough, hoarse, but very musical, and he had a great sense of rhythm and keeping the music moving forward. Uncle June and his group served to inspire The Burgoo Boys to tighten up their music, expand their creativity, and the groups melded together like they’d been playing together for years. And all of them wee proud Kentuckians, and that was reflected in all their songs. The different instruments added by Uncle June’s group has expanded their sound as well.
 
Now our job is to promote and sell songs, and having a group’s name being so long is not in the best interest of that goal. So we held meetings with the two leaders on ways we could consolidate the names, even offered to give each group an individual contract. But they told us flat out, they already took a vote from all the musicians, and everyone including themselves, wanted the name of the group to be: The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June’s Jug Band, so that’s what it is!
 
John Henry approached Uncle June with an idea; would Uncle June like to make an album of The Boys first songs as the lead vocalist! Hence, this 5 song album, Uncle June Sings! John Henry was no longer satisfied with the original versions of four of the songs. He wanted to add different instrumentation and June’s distinctive voice in hopes to make the songs even better. So while writing new songs, the group also revised those 4 songs. Uncle June had recently written a country ballad Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky as an anniversary present for his wife on their 30^th wedding anniversary, and all the musicians agree to include this song as well.
 
1. What The Hell Is Burgoo? - This song was originally written as The Burgoo Boys 3^rd song, and they wrote it in response to some people commenting on their name and what burgoo was! Original can be heard here : What The Hell Is Burgoo?
 
2. Roadkill Café - The first song sent to us, we were immediately drawn to the humor of the lyrics and the quality of the musical performance. Original can be heard here: Roadkill Café 
 
3. Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky - This song was written by Uncle June as a gift for his wife on their 30^th wedding anniversary. It’s a slow, country ballad and shows how Uncle June’s voice, while not being the most attractive musically, can be used for genuine heart-felt emotion. Uncle June told us the story: 

Uncle June McShary

Yeah, this be pretty much how it happened. I'm a country boy, used to git all cleaned up once in a spell an' go into Louisville to the picture show. Usually had my brothers and sisters with me, but this time I was by my own self. Don't 'member why, but anyhow, I never seen the girl before then, and there was somethin' 'bout her took my breath away. I were seventeen, had a few gal friends afore, but none of 'em affected me like this! I was kind a shy back then, still amazed I asked her to sit with me, but I did. Even more amazed she said 'yes'! 

Found out later she was a city girl, so we come from two different lifestyles. Took us a bit to get used to the way each other done things, but it was never a case of one bein' better than the other. Just different. Long story short, we've been together ever since. Never had a break up, had our share of disagreements but we hung in there, got married, had four kids that are all growed now, got some Grandbabies too! Life with her has been great! 

4. When Yer Up To Yer Ass In Alligators - Another humorous original, taken from an old country saying of perseverance among unforeseen circumstances. Original was titled Up To Yer Ass In Alligators
 
5. Feed ‘Em Beans! - That The Burgoo Boys can write lively, toe-tapping, (and profane!) songs is shown in this example. The original is also a great example of the virtuoso musicians in the group, as the tempo is quite brisk. Now add that together with the virtuosity in Uncle June’s group, and you’ve got a quite different interpretation! Original can be heard here: Feed ‘Em Beans!

Chuck Wagon Calhoun - Workin' At The Rattlesnake Saloon

The latest from our resident spinner of tall tales, fabrications, imaginative truth-stretching and other fancy words and phrases for BULLSHIT! This song is about whisfirst job back in the old west when he worked in The Rattlesnake Saloon (location not disclosed) cleaning and polishing spittoons. Then one night, when the chorus line was short a girl, his boss drafted him to be in it! A teenaged boy doesn't really look like a chorus girl, especially in the old west, a time when  chorus line women that didn't work for the bigger saloons in the larger cities were also 'soiled doves'! But Chuck Wagon assures us when he was young he was "downright pretty," and the women put make-up on his face as well as lace stockings, a dress, and "frilly under drawers!"

As is usual many times in his songs, things turn nasty, and he has to make a hasty retreat from town after he messes up the face of a drunken cowboy that put a hand up his dress. And at the end of the song, Chuck Wagon tells how the experience made him appreciate women, as well as...well...listen and read for yerselves! Yee Haw Ya'll!

My legs was pretty back then
Smooth with no hair on 'em
Now they's bowlegged and all
Back then they was straight and slim
 
Howdy
My name's Chuck Wagon Calhoun, and I
Got a tale to tell 'bout when I was young
And downright pretty!

Spittoon

YEE HAW YA'LL!
 
First job I had when I were young
Was at the Rattlesnake Saloon
Had to clean out and then polish
All of them there brass spittoons
 
One day the boss waved me over
Hell ya'll don't even shave yet!
Face as soft as a baby's ass
Girls'll take care of ya don't fret!
 
They was short a girl the dance line
All they needed was one more
I felt kind a sheepish indeed
DIDN'T WANNA BE NO WHORE!
 
They put net stockings on ma legs
Lipstick and rouge on ma pan
Put me in frilly under drawers
Said the dance was the Can can
 
The boss done tol' me “Don't worry
Take yer place smack in the middle
Jest kick up yer legs with the rest
When ya hear piano and fiddle”
 
 I was prancin' along real good
Dancin' with all of the rest
They all turned 'round bent over
AND ALL THEM THROWED UP THEIR DRESS!
 
Tol' the boss to hell with you!
Ain't gonna show my ass hell no!
He said “Now jest you hold yer horse
Don't ya know what ya got in store?
 
“Them gals gonna treat you right good
They'll show ya all of the ropes
Can be with them when they's naked
Gettin' ready, don't be a dope!”
 
Things went well, pokes liked me fine
Thought I were a real young skirt
Boss even let me sang some songs
Then pokes got to winkin' and flirt
 
One a them drunken cowboys
Done put their hand up my dress
Gall dang, I lost my temper!
And really messed up his face!
 
Don't care what ya'll got a hankerin fer
Jest don't try it with me, sum bitch
I twern't THAT dad burned pretty
He were that goddam drunk
Boss fired me.... Gals shunned me...
But it done taught me to appreciate naked gals...
And give me a hankerin’ to wear frilly under drawers...
Like I got on right now! 

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Country Women Of Kentucky

  What we call our 'supergroup' here at Big And Tall Records has almost an embarrassment of talent.  Not only do they have a large group of talented instrumentalists for traditional bluegrass music, but an incredible access to many instruments from brass to jugband instruments, but many of them are good singers as well. John Henry Flort, leader of the Burgoo Boys is a fine singer, and 'Uncle' June McShary, leader of the jugband has added a lot to the group with his distinctive voice. 'Toots' Jernigan is the soloist on this latest release by the band, and he possesses a rich baritone voice that suits the subject of the song: a tribute to country women of Kentucky. The song is more of a traditional song in the country tradition, with solos by mandolin and dobro. 

Those of us been raised in the rugged mountains
of east Kentucky, or the rollin' plains of the blue grass
of west Kentucky,  know how much the womenfolk are
the bedrock of our culture. So we sang this tribute to all of them
 
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
Look good at a hoe down, or a fancy dress ball
Honest and true blue, country through and through...
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
 
Country women of Kentucky come from sturdy pioneer stock
They look good in blue jeans, or a fancy frock
Can sip a sweet tea, or have a cold beer
Who face their lives, with no threat of fear
 
Country women of Kentucky, we love them spring or fall
Whether wearin' a halter top, or a fancy shawl
Honest and true blue, country through and through...
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
 
The country men of Kentucky, taught us how to be tough
To knuckle down hard, when times get rough
But the women balanced all that with all their love
That surrounded us like a custom made glove
 
Country women of Kentucky, Gramma smokin' her pipe
Mama doin' up cherries, red sweet and dead ripe
Honest and true blue, country through and through...
Country women of Kentucky, such a lovin' type
 
Pa always came across hardy, brave, and strong
He worked all the day, worked hard and hours long
But Mama did too, and had her own inner strength
That kept her drivin' on days of such long length
 
Truth be told, wouldn't have turned out near as good
I f both Mama and Pa wouldn't have done what they should
But we was lucky, we had them both that never took sides
When we needed it, either one could tan our hides!
 
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
Look good at a hoe down, or a fancy dress ball
Honest and true blue, country through  and through...
Country women of Kentucky...
We love them all!

The Widow Makers - War! War! Constant War!

It might seem a little off that a band that calls themselves The Widow Makers writes and performs a song like War! War! Constant War!, and the final lines of  the song show that the band thought of that too, and they address it: 

We call ourselves The Widow Makers, just a heavy metal band you see,

But you sons of bitches are the widow makers.... of reality!

Obvious what the band's take is on the recent developments in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The band is based in Great Britain, but their song implies that there is always the possibility of war spreading to other countries, including their own. 

In this style of music, the rhythm and music can sometimes seem to be more important than the lyrics. At least to some of our 'old' ears that grew accustomed to different styles of music. We're being diplomatic; plain speaking, the music is so loud that we can't hear or make out the lyrics, and even when we can the meaning of the lyrics can be hard to decipher. The band has taken especial care to have the singer's voice and the lyrics heard, and the meaning of it all is pretty clear!  

Ones who say they're for peace are the ones that bring about war
They've started yet another one, we're not sure what they're fighting for
Over a parcel of land compared to the size of the earth
Is tiny and inconsequential, how much could it be worth?
War, war, constant war!
Wars don't end before the next one begins
Carrying on mankind's deadliest sins
Get the artillery ready, guns big and small
Fight for the peace that we demand for all!
 
Leader of one of the largest countries on earth
Invaded a neighbor, how much is it really worth?
Ego and power, land grabbin' and murder
Been fightin' for years against a brave defender
War! War! Constant war!
No end in sight for the aggressive bear
Who tries to grab and steal, keepin' armies there
While the leader of the U.S. grows green with envy
And helps another war-monger to start more frenzy
 
Leader of what used to be the world's great democracy
Started bombs flying and refused to let anyone see
What was going on with his Israel leader tryst
But he couldn't give the plan cuz it doesn't exist!
War! War! Constant war!
Been only days, but now they all reassure
Only take a few days, maybe a few weeks more
We'll create regime change, like we did in Iraq
We're awesome warriors! We really rock!
 
War! War! Constant war! Beg yer pardon, we seen it all before!
Pat the troops on the back,give them plenty what's for!
If they do come back, fuck them over like you do
Aid war-mongers, be in league with murderers...
Because you are one too!
War, war, constant war!
We call ourselves The Widow Makers, just a heavy metal band you see
But you sons of bitches are the widow makers.... of reality

Mams Carter - That's The Nature Of Things

Mams Carter is making a name for herself as a blues singer, which is different from one of the top Honkie-Tonk  and Boogie-Woogie piano players on tour. She plays gigs with her son Amos Carter (who is one of our artists as well) and his Boogie-Woogie band, and she plays a piano solo along with her vocals once or twice at each gig.  She has a very expressive contralto voice that has richness and depth, as well as a good range towards the top of her range. She's recorded two blues songs for us, and That's The Nature Of Things follows her first blues song, The Blues Done Got Me So Bad, in using a string orchestra backing her piano and voice. It's a notch above just easy listening, as her passion does come through, especially with her first song, but there's also a mellowness she has in her voice that blends perfectly with strings. She keeps her piano accompaniment very basic, and lays down a good foundation for the songs she sings. 

Memories and dreams of many who passed come before my eye
A little nostalgic, and sad, but it's no reason to cry
Of course I’d like them not to have left, and it surely is no sin
To be glad to see them, if only in dreams or memories, again
 
I see their faces in many foggy forms
Shadows in the dark of night, in my mind of storms
Not apparitions or ghostly in any way
Sometimes a fleeting glance, sometimes a long stay
 
That’s the nature of things we get so little time
To spend among the living, experience the sublime
All of the pleasures and all of the gladness
Tied up with the dark ribbon of sadness
 
Don't get me wrong I'm happy for the ones still here
I don't live my life full of anguish, worry and fear
But I've known so many that are now long time gone
I miss them but I will continue to grow and stay strong
 
We've all got lives to continue, be a shame to waste it
I'm committed to experience, each and every bit
And I'll look forward to those times when I will see
Those people and things that are close to me
 
That’s the nature of things we get so little time
To spend among the living, experience the sublime
All of the pleasures and all of the gladness
Tied up with the dark ribbon of sadness 

Chuck Wagon Calhoun - When I Done Tol' Wyatt Earp Where To Git Off!

 Well, Chuck Wagon shows up again with a tall tale about when he was a bartender in Tombstone, Arizona. Coincidentally, it was when Wyatt Earp was there as well, about 1880-1881 or so. That would make Chuck Wagon older than dirt! Everybody knows by now that anything Chuck Wagon sings about comes spinning out of his own warped imagination! 

We're still not sure who in the heck this guy is. We get recordings of his through an agent over the internet. We don't know anything about the agent either. Oh, we've got a n ame, but we don't think it's his real name. At least Reginald P. Farquahar, the name they use, can't be found in any search of agents or attorneys. But we wire them money, and it shows being taken out of our account. Doesn't matter. AS long as things are legal, and Chuck Wagon keeps sending us odd songs from the 'Old West', we're happy!

The story of Wyatt Earp still captures the imagination of the American public, as well as around the world. The town of Tombstone has made a big effort to keep many of the buildings and a part of town the way it was back then albiet with some modern updates) The Bird Cage Theatre, The Oriental Saloon, The O.K. Corral, and other buildings with some still carry bullet holes from those rowdy times. An associate of ours has been there, and he says it's like walking back in time in some parts of town.  Wyatt Earp remains a legendary figure, with more than a few of the legends actually being true! Of all the gunplay he was involved with in his life, he was never shot, not even nicked, by gunfire. That he could be a lawman one minute and a criminal the next is also true, as he was accused of stealing horses, pimping prostitutes in Peoria, Illinois.  

He kept on the run after his doings in Tombstone, even got as far away as Alaska. He ended up passing away in Los Angeles, California in 1929 at the age of eighty! An interesting side note; it appears there might be some truth to the legend that John Wayne met Earp on a movie set in 1928, and they grew to be friends. Just how much, if any, of this is true probably will never be known for sure. But the thought of two American legends knowing each other, with Wayne using Earp as an example for the character he was to eventually develop on screen is intriguing!

Howdy!
My names' Chuck Wagon Calhoun
Got a story ya'll might wanna hear
'bout the time I were a bartender...
WHEN I DONE TOL'  WYATT EARP
WHERE TO GIT OFF!
In Tombstone,  Arizona!
YEE HAW YA'LL!
 
I done all kinds a stuff, from cowhand to bushwhacker
From whore pimpin’, and general lolligagger
But it tweren't 'til I left what was to become Oklahoma
That I found my place tendin' bar, in Tombstone, Arizona!
 
It were at the Oriental Saloon
A place that were fancy and not for goons
Were 'sposed to be a gentleman, no farts nor burps
Runner of the game tables named Wyatt Earp!
 
Had ta wear a fancy white shirt, with red stripes
Garters on ma arms, servin' beer and breakin' up fights
When foam come over the glass I struck with no fear
Wiped off ma finger and stuck it in the glass of beer!
 
I worked the bar and tables, things goin' jest fine
When Wyatt started messin' with a gal that were mine!
Tol' him "Wyatt, that there gal be mine, sum bitch!"
That's what I tol' him, without nary a  twitch
 
He looked at me with hard eyes, and reached fer his gun
Tried to intimidate me, but I didn't run!
Tol' him,"I know all 'bout yer reputation
But I don't give a shit in this here situation!”
 
Had to wear a fancy white shirt, with red stripes
I jest talked to Mr. Earp like that ? Oh, cripes!
He'll pull out his pistol, and pistol whip me right on my ear
Won't be alive to stick my finger in no glass a beer
 
Now I don't know rightly, how I got by with sayin’ that
Maybe Wyatt was plumb hung over or feelin' flat
But he tol' me, "Sorry pardner, didn't know she were taken"
Then he grabbed my hand, and began to shakin'
 
Were feelin' downright mighty, played it fer all it was worth
"Jest be careful, Wyatt Earp, as ya go forth!
I'll be watchin' ya close fast, as ya go through the day
And that's it, pardner, all that I'm a gonna say!"
 
My red stripes were a shakin' on my fancy white shirt
Best be on my way, pack my bag, afore I git hurt!
So that night I packed my gear, and got my horse all saddled
Road like a bat outa hell, from Tombstone I skedaddled!
 
Found out later why Earp seemed so distracted
He were joinin' up with his pals to palaver...
About what became known as...
THE SHOOT OUT AT THE OK CORRAL!
Ye gods and little fishes, I dodged a bullet again!

Craic Agus Ceol - Ballad Of Charlie Mopps

 The Irish band Craic Agus Ceol (Gaelic for 'Fun and Music') sent us their latest performance of a song anticipating St. Patrick's Day, a day honoring the patron saint of Ireland. The date of celebration is the 17th of March, the traditional day of St. Patrick's death. 

The subject of their song concerns an Irishman named Charlie Mopps, the man that invented beer! The original song 'Beer, Beer, Beer' uses a tune that may have originally been a drinking song in the British Isles. Another theory is that was written for use as a drinking song in Irish pubs. In any case, no one is really sure about the origins, and that the name 'Charlie Mopps' was a good rhyme for 'hops'.  The song is sung around the English-speaking world in many versions and variants. 

The band's take on the legend is that Charlie was swindled out of his invention by crooked publicans that got him to sign a contract giving them all the rights. After Charlie tried to fight it but found out he couldn't win, he was satisfied to know that a clause in the contract gave Charlie free beer for life in any pub he went! Charlie led a long life drinking beer, and died a happy man! 

With the coming of Saint Patty’s day there's a song you may hear
About an Irishman the people say invented beer
He throwed together yeast and water and all the finest hops
Sat and watched it bubble up, and the man is Charlie Mopps!
 
It'll be  Beer, beer, tiddily beer when the old song that you'll hear
Hardly benefittin' tune for the man what invented beer!
 
Charlie Mopps took the hops and throwed them in the water
He took a pint and swallowed it, and said  "That's quite a snotter!"
Charlie Mopps! Charlie Mopps! A man of history
Invented a drink that calms the nerves and is good for thee
 
Now ol' Charlie were a shy young man, and tried  to keep it quiet
But word got 'round and all the gang came to his house to try it
It were calmer than whiskey, more potent than drinkin' water
They all said "Charlie! Ye need to sell this stuff, ya really oughter!"
 
It'll be  Beer, beer, tiddily beer when the old song that you'll hear
Hardly benefittin' tune for the man what invented beer!
 
Charlie Mopps took the hops and throwed them in the water
He took a pint and swallowed it, and said  "That's quite a snotter!"
Charlie Mopps! Charlie Mopps! A man of history
Invented a drink that calms the nerves and is good for thee
 
All the publicans liked the brew, wondered what to name it
Wanted to come up with a name that wouldn't defame it
One a them said "Whatever we call this golden nectar,
When we sell a lot of it we'll be money collectors!"
 
It'll be  Beer, beer, tiddily beer when the old song that you'll hear
Hardly benefittin' tune for the man what invented beer!
 
Charlie Mopps took the hops and throwed them in the water
He took a pint and swallowed it, and said  "That's quite a snotter!"
Charlie Mopps! Charlie Mopps! A man of history
Invented a drink that calms the nerves and is good for thee
 
Well ol' Charlie liked his brew and drank until daylight
When he were drunk publicans pulled some dirty shite
They had a crooked solicitor draw up a contract
Given them the rights to the beer that the law backed
One night when all were sayin, "May yer glass be ever full!"
Day had him sign the contract, and it were all lawful!
 
But it weren't all a bad end, for good ol' Charlie Mopps
While he hired his own solicitor, found he couldn't stop,
The legal action takin' away his golden brew
But he didn't agonize aboot it, anger fret and stew
There were a clause in the paper, that gave year after year
Free for life for ol' Charlie, of his concoction they named beer!
 
Charlie Mopps who took the hops and throwed them in the water
Drank his fill at every pub, became quite a potter
Charlie Mopps! Charlie Mopps! A man of history
Died of old age, drinkin' beer, a man that died happily