Collected from the bottoms of various swamps and gator bellies in the southeastern United States, the constantly changing players in The Swamp Justice Family Band perform a style of music appropriately called 'lowgrass.' Part bluegrass, part blues, part punk rock, part gator tooth, and a dab of whiskey, Swamp Justice sews together traditional and original compositions like medicine men sew busted scalps. Though you may hear them sing a gospel tune, you're more likely to hear an improvised sermon concerning the benefits of praying while drunk (the confessions come easier) before a slow rendition of "Cocaine Habit." Before the band was reduced from 6-12 down to 1-3, the Justice Family self-released a collection of live tracks, Live at St. Mary's, and a studio release, Letters to Charlie. The live album is a smattering of tunes from a three set gig the band played early on. The origins of the traditional songs stretch from the Mississippi Delta up the Appalachian Mountains. The album also includes one original song and two new takes on a couple Tom Waits songs. Their studio release, Letters to Charlie, includes two orginal songs and many new arrangements. Leighton Reid's "Charlie," recounts the hard rambling life of Charlie Poole with cutting lyrics that depict a legendary life while maintaining a sense of humor Poole himself would have appreciated. "Black Bottle," based on depression-era rumors that doctors poisoned transients and migrant workers if they sought help in a hospital, is sung from the perspective of the weary hobo. The eight voices of the Family Band merge smoothly or crash together depending on the moment, giving the album the feel of a mule buggy demolition derby. Both CDs are available to order direct from the band. The extended family: Skintback City Public Radio (Asheville, NC; myspace.com/skintbackcitypublicradio); The Pleasant Valley Blight (Nashville, TN); The Soggy Biscuit Boys (Columbia, SC; myspace.com/soggybiscuitboys); Mr. Charlie (Decatur, AL); The Cankickers (New London, CT; myspace.com/cankickers])