When we first started the Strung Out String Band our banjo (and accordion) player was the inimitable Ilan Moss. Ilan moved to Paris many moons ago but fear not, the years of drinking pastis while listening to chanson have not lessened his skills in American music. In fact, while travelling the back streets of Paris (or some other French town) he crossed paths with Robert Crumb. Yes, that Robert Crumb. You may not know it but R. Crumb is a lover of American folk music and a great player as well. Throw some bass and fiddle into the mix and you have The Melody Sheiks. Their new record was recorded in France and was just released on Arhoolie. Pick up a copy.