By April S. Kelley
ROUND ROCK, Texas — “It’s been a mixed bag,” according to Bob Cartright, the frontman for Americana Folk-Grass band MoPac Traffic Jams.
Like all musicians and artists, the coronavirus pandemic halted everything, including practice, for Austin’s MoPac Traffic Jams. Singing lead vocals and playing mandolin, Cartright says the band had only just begun to book significant shows when things changed.
“We’ve been at it for a little over a year now,” he said, explaining that the band formed around October 2019, with two of his adult children in the band along with two renowned Austin musicians.
The folk-infused quintet features Bob’s daughter, Camille Cartright, playing guitar and lending rich vocals, harmonizing and contrasting her father’s more gritty tones, while his son, Kevin Cartright, contributes vocals and takes on percussion via a cajon — a South American box-shaped instrument.
Adding that banjo kick that grassroots music is known for is national recording jazz artist Jon Lundbom, who has more than eight studio albums to his credit, amongst a myriad of other musical accomplishments.
On the upright bass, New Orleans native and well-known Austin musician Fred Spence balances out all the treble and percussive sounds to create the jam-band aesthetic.
Prior to the pandemic, MoPac Traffic Jams had five shows booked at Threadgill’s, the legendary music venue that helped launch the career of Janis Joplin. The restaurant, unfortunately, had to shut its doors in April due to the pandemic.
Only recently having started to play live gigs again in the Central Texas area, dad Cartright said the band plans to book only at outdoor venues for the foreseeable future.
“I think at the end of the day safety is first, for the band and for the public,” he said. “We want to book with venues who share those priorities.”
Luckily for audiences, The Brass Tap in Downtown Round Rock boasts a picturesque patio area with twinkling lights and a small stage for bands on which to perform, like MoPac Traffic Jams. Cartright said the band has also set up a residency at Round Rock’s recently-opened Cork & Barrel to play one Sunday each month.
“We like to incorporate a lot of different genres of music,” the bandleader said.
MoPac Traffic Jams showcase impressive musicianship, meshing multiple genres into a stomping-good time, through playing original songs and classic covers.
Cartright said the band was formed under one premise, and one premise only: “Work hard, play good music and have a good time.”
Check out original tunes by MoPac Traffic Jams via ReverbNation, follow them on social media and be on the lookout for upcoming shows at The Brass Tap, Cork & Barrel and other Central Texas outdoor live-music venues.