The only thing that's a bit strange about Ramble on the Rails is that it isn't held at Knuckleheads. For a night of song dedicated to "that long lonesome whistle of the steam engine," the midtown setting is a bit far from the railroad's winsome cry. (Unlike the famous East Bottoms blues bar, RecordBar isn't known to shudder and shake with the impact of passing trains.) No matter: A formidable lineup of Kansas City folk and country acts staves off any inauthentic vibes that a listener may complain about. Judging by the success of the Murder Ballad Ball — another favorite night of gothic-country, with a similar list of artists, including Tony Ladesich, Cadillac Flambe and Tinhorn Molly — Ramble on the Rails may be a new standby in the local, live Americana canon.
