“R.U. Bound” is a trio of musicians who formed this band for one reason: a common love of traditional American music. We believe there is great value in the traditional music and songs of our home. They tell the stories of our grandparents, and their grandparents too: trying to make a living for your family, missing your old homeplace, finding diversions from everyday life, hard times, finding love, losing love, dogs, faith and Heaven, the wonder of nature, the need to wander and see what else is out there. We play this music because we love it, but even more so because we can’t avoid it. It would be easier to quit breathing than to quit picking!
How We Started
Gary and Adam were once members of the same modern alt. Country band. They found themselves jumping into impromptu version of tunes like “Salt Creek” or “I Am a Pilgrim” at sound checks or backstage tuning up. Eventually a gig came up that prompted them to put some organization to their common interests. One of Gary’s banjo students was getting married, and wanted “Old Time” music for the wedding. The Duo was up and running! For the wedding march Gary wrote the banjo/guitar piece “Cynthia’s Waltz” and stumbled into one of the guiding principles of R.U. Bound: preserving and expanding traditional American folk music through composition.
After a year or so of playing as a duo and recording most of their first CD, they were joined by Jim Saltz on bass and vocals and have happily settled into a trio.
After a year or so of playing as a duo and recording most of their first CD, they were joined by Jim Saltz on bass and vocals and have happily settled into a trio.
The Members of R.U. Bound
Adam Schlenker Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Vocals
Jim Saltz Bass, Vocals
Gary Puckett Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Bouzouki
Jim Saltz Bass, Vocals
Gary Puckett Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Bouzouki
R.U. Bound
Old Time Picking and Singing