The Swing Revival of the early 1990s in the United States was truly spearheaded by the exuberant vintage toned highly energized Squirrel Nut Zippers, which were formed in 1991 by Jimbo Mathus & his then wife Katharine Whalen in North Carolina. Their fun moving stylistic music sounds like a wild hybrid of romping heated 20’s swing, eclectic gypsy jazz, depression era blues, roaring dance rhythms & even calypso abounding. The SNZs are now coming back 20 years on for anniversary of their platinum smash album “Hot” released in 1996.
Squirrel Nut Zippers
The Dakota Jazz Club
Fri. October 7 & Sat. October 8, 2016 7pm, 9pm
Upon formation by bandleader Jimbo Mathus, The Squirrel Nut Zippers’ meteoric rising success started in 1995 with their first record “The Inevitable”. Their highest peak was reached the following summer of 1996 when they unleashed their biggest album to date “Hot” featuring hit single “Hell” (recorded in New Orleans). Starting off as essentially a string band with horns added, this served as a unique timely model poised for national & international acclaim & success.
My friend Luther Dickinson from the North Mississippi Allstars introduced me to Jimbo Mathus many years ago in New Orleans backstage at a show by the South Memphis String Band comprised of Luther, Jimbo & Alvin Youngblood Hart. I could tell right away looking into Jimbo’s eyes that he was a truly gifted lifelong musician led by his constant passion to play & create music whenever & wherever he could. Since the Squirrel Nut Zippers are the most well known band Jimbo has played in, dare I say yet, I am beyond excited for this ramped up revival of one of the most fun & engaging groups to emerge in my lifetime. Jimbo says this 2016 version of his band has him very “fired up” & he expects them to be solid for a good long time. That’s music to my ears.
The Zippers are coming in hot for this highly touted celebratory live tour. The band is extremely excited to fire up the sensational swing once again. Don’t miss their greatly anticipated 2 nights of shows at the Dakota on Fri. October 7 & Sat. October 8, 2016. Each evening SNZ will thrill crowds with 2 exhilarating shows at 7 & 9pm. The swing will be swung.
Listen to our mini-podcast of Squirrel Nut Zipper made in advance of these shows by Brave New Radio at the Dakota website: www.dakotacooks.com/event/squirrel-nut-zippers/
Dakota Box Office: 612-332-5299
Event page: http://www.dakotacooks.com/event/squirrel-nut-zippers/
Dakota website: dakotacooks.com
http://www.snzippers.com/
SNZ on FB: https://www.facebook.com/SNZippers
~Timothy Paul Smith :: timmy@chateaulafreak.com