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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Mark’s Pick of the Week: Perennial Favorites by Squirrel Nut Zippers



            Good music always has a scene.  I could name the most obscure mixture of music types to Eric, and he may just laugh at me, but I can assure you there’s a scene for it if the music’s good. Gypsy Jazz, Swing Revival, Delta Blues, whatever the hell you call it it’s great music, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers are some of the best I’ve ever listened to! 
The Zippers hit the scene in 1993 and have been swinging ever since.  They gained some notoriety in 1996 when mainstream America decided to like swing for about 3 years I guess.  This gave 3rd wave aka and swing revival artist some time in the spot light (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy even played the Super Bowl half-time show in 1999.)  Sadly, this didn’t last and the new millennium pressed on.
The Zippers do big band in a way only a big band can.  Currently comprised of several members playing everything from banjo, trombone, slide guitar, cornet, violin, ukulele, saxophone, harp, piano, trumpet, drum and bass, they can fill each track in a way you can only get with a big concert band.  The songs themselves range from quick toe tappers, to slow waltzes, delightful ditties, and big powerful showstoppers, almost as if you’re at a jazz concert.    
Listening to these guys is a great break from the normal.  They have a great swing to them that has turned me on to a number of other artists in the genre.  Listen to the opening track "The Suit's Are Picking Up the Bill," and see if you’re not hungry for some more of these guys.  Check ‘em out on their website, and look for their newest album dropping this year. 

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