Drawing from a vast depth of internal talent, Swamptooth plants one foot firmly in the traditions of bluegrass, keeping a uniquely Southern string sound close to their hearts while bravely progressing the genre beyond its boundaries.
Infectious melodies, technical prowess and powerful songwriting merge from the hands of master musicians with decades of songwriting behind them and a modern sound guiding their future.
Coupling a high-energy, relentless bluegrass sound with the steadfastness of professional, experienced troubadours, Swamptooth embodies an indelible appeal that can ignite the passion of nearly any audience who happens across their path.
Swamptooth was forged in early 2020 around a simple desire to keep playing their instruments while waiting out the unknown variables of a changing world. Comprised of longtime picking partners Cory Chambers (mandolin, vocals) and Jay Rudd (guitar, vocals), along with fiddle virtuoso Vito Gutilla (fiddle, vocals) and Katie Rudd (bass), Swamptooth’s lineup bears several decades worth of seasoned musicianship.
Originally hailing from Saginaw, Michigan, JEREMY RILKO is an accomplished banjo & guitar player/singer-songwriter who now resides in Asheville. After serving four years in the Air Force, he separated to attend Western Michigan University, where he was introduced to bluegrass music. Attending bluegrass festivals led to the purchase of his first banjo at the age of 24, on which he dove right into learning Scruggs-style picking.
Early on in his playing days he was exposed to the likes of fellow Michigan natives Billy Strings & Greensky Bluegrass as well as Bela Fleck & John Hartford. After college, he threw everything in his car and moved to Asheville and began to cut his teeth at the local bluegrass jams.
He has been a member of Michigan-based Who Hit John? & Asheville’s Supper Break and is currently a member of The Well Drinkers & The Asheville Cats — as well as Jack of the Wood’s very own Bluegrass Brunch Boys. Rilko has had the privilege to share the stage with Vince Herman, Lindsay Lou, Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor, Darren Nicholson, members of Town Mountain and Fireside Collective. He has also performed at The Woodford Folk Festival (Australia) and Merlefest.
Rilko released his first album, Writings on the Wall, in 2023. Showcasing tunes he crafted over the years on the banjo and guitar, the album is mix of straight-ahead-driving bluegrass and songs with sweet melodies & lyrics.
