Formed in early 1970s by Jay ‘Buddy’ Wachter (banjo, piano), and Jim Riley (banjo). The Dixieland / ragtime / old-time jazz standards group toured the U.S. Canada, Caribbean, and Europe. Locally known as the Phillips Gangplank Ragtime Band they performed at Phillips Restaurant Harborplace for over 25 years. As with most groups were numerous personnel changes over the years. Their album release “Full Speed for Baltimore” featured Wachter and Riley with Giff Blaylock (tuba), Gary Matthews (piano), and Rod Kenley (washboard).
April 1980 Easter performance at the Baltimore Zoo.
Left to Right: John Wessner (trombone), Giff Blaylock (tuba), Jay Wachter (banjo)
Blaylock and Riley were later with the Last Chance Jazz Band, and the Strawhatters Banjo Band. Wachter and Blaylock were also members of the Fallstaff Five Plus Two…
19**(LP) Bib & Tucker 1645 Full Speed for Baltimore
