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porthalcyon.com Short
Stack Once there was a day when bands like King Teddy were a dime a dozen. But as the Indigo Swing's of the world have left the stage, the eager listener of modern swing learns to cherish righteous melodies and classics rhythms like these. This 6-song sampler is a breakfast-sized portion of retro goodies that will fill you up without slowing you down. Featuring crisp, clean sound—and some outstanding vocal harmony on "Forever" and "Tweedlee Dee"—it's like prom night all over again. The album opens with the jumpin' energy of "The Phantom of Main & Ordinary St.", led by the honkin' sax of Chris Watling and the bright guitar tones of Dan Rivizzigno. "Forever", one of four original compositions, is a sentimental instant-classic, and "Anybody But You" was made from chrome-soled shoes and a sprung dancefloor. Like most of the post-modern swing bands, this quintet won't make you forget about the icons who came before them. That's not the point—King Teddy is here to help you remember that great music and all the joy it can bring. King
Teddy A 40's-inspired swing band with an amazing sound, King Teddy should pat itself on the back for its authenticity and originality. If the band wore period clothing, it would be like stepping back in time. Its popularity within the swing-dance crowd is also a good indication that it sizzles. Mike Sottong's voice -- reminiscent of the style popular at the time -- and his song-writing finesse are partly responsible, and so is the caliber of the musicianship. King Teddy's recent EP, engineered by Steve Carr at his Hit and Run Studios in Gaithersburg, is as good as King Teddy live. Listen to original songs from the "Short Stack" on the band's MP3 page: "Phantom of Main & Ordinary Street" and "Anybody But You." |
