Ross plays many styles of music on mandolin, from bluegrass to swing, rock to reggae, Bach to bossa nova. He studied with the legendary Jethro Burns during his early career, and has performed with a variety of bands throughout his forty-plus years of devotion to the mandolin and related instruments. He adds ukulele, tenor guitar and vocals to Universal Joint.

Don has been singing and playing harmonica in area bands since the late 70s. He loves blues, country, classic rock, and funk. He was a frontman with Clutch Cargo for 19 years. UJ lets him get more in touch with roots music, sing with more nuance, and explore the harmonica in diverse ways. He adds rhythmic spice to the UJ sound with assorted hand percussion.

Joe began playing bass guitar in 1965 when he and three of his good friends formed their first garage band. Throughout the years he has played in many rock and roll bands in the Rockford area. More recently, Joe was the bass player and manager of the RAMI Hall of Fame band, Clutch Cargo, for 19 years. A big fan of The Beatles, Joe is known for playing his Hofner 500/1 Violin "Beatle" Bass with UJ.

Pat started playing drums in grade school and continued in the jazz band at West High School. For 19 years he provided the driving beat that energized every Clutch Cargo show. With UJ, Pat plays electronic drums for a greater range of percussion possibilities and better control of dynamic range.

Ryan fell in love with the guitar just out of high school and never looked back. Influenced by many musical genres, his playing is mostly rooted in the blues and classic rock and roll. He was lead guitar player and singer in Clutch Cargo for 19 years. He brings youthful energy to the UJ band of elders.