The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band

The Profile

Australian acoustic jug/vaudeville ensemble formed by brothers Jim and Mic Conway. Known in the 1970s for theatrical performances, acoustic rearrangements of vintage material and a lineup featuring harmonica, kazoo, banjo and fiddle. The group's original run ended after a road accident in 1979.

Formed by the Conway brothers and active during the 1970s, the band mixed bluegrass, folk, country and old-time blues with theatrical gags and acoustic instrumentation. Smoke Dreams was issued for the American market in the early 1970s. The group disbanded after a 1979 promotional-tour road accident.

DeBaser's available review (one heroic review) celebrates The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band's theatrical, acoustic jug-band style. The band mixes bluegrass, folk, country and old-time blues with gags and rearranged vintage material. Smoke Dreams is singled out as a key record from their 1970s peak. The review notes a 1979 road accident and the band's subsequent disbanding.