Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks
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Tangled Tales, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks latest CD, is a more-than-worthy addition to Hicks' already massive body of work. It is an irresistible nod to Dan Hicks' undeniable musical legacy, and a potent reminder of all of the musical inspiration that this Great American Songwriter has spawned. Revered by and also having collaborated with such legendary artists as Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bette Midler, Brain Setzer, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett, among others -- Dan Hicks serves up his unique fashion, attitude and swagger that are embodied in his outlaw eccentricity and totally unique sound. His counter-culture appeal, which has twice landed him on the cover of Rolling Stone, has always been rooted in his songwriting. His lyrics have been touted as some of the sharpest-tongued, driest-witted, and subtly hilarious bits of irreverence ever committed to rhyme. He sets these lyrical gems to quirky tunes that trade on a bagful of jazz chords and an irresistible rhythm. This music gets under your skin, and the lyrics are set loose upon your unsuspecting brain. It's one hell of a good time.
"Dan Hicks is an American Treasure. 'I Scare Myself' and 'It's Not My Time to Go'...I think they're two of the best songs ever written" - Elvis Costello
The brand-new collection of compelling and witty tunes offers the same swinging music and insightful charm that has endeared him to audiences and fellow artists alike. Tangled Tales also features a world-class collection of musical talent, including instrumental virtuosos David Grisman, Charlie Musselwhite, and slideguitarist Roy Rogers. Produced by Grammy-winning roots music producer Chris Goldsmith, Tangled Tales delivers eight great new original tunes that feel like instant Dan Hicks classics (and some choice cover tunes too).
"Dan Hicks is lightning in a bottle." - Bette Midler
His latest work of genius, Tangled Tales, is a return to the roots of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks' earliest days. This version of the Hot Licks has perhaps grown a bit warmer with age, but it has the same innovative mix of old-timey authenticity and modern swagger that has made Dan a favorite of listeners and fellow artists for over 40 years. Working with his touring band in the studio for the first time in decades, Dan also invites a California cartel of special guests. But instead of featuring guest vocalists, as he's done on other recent releases, this time Dan has assembled an amazing cast of instrumentalists. In addition to mandolin master David Grisman, harmonica legend Charlie Musslewhite, and renowned slide guitarist Roy Rogers -- also featured are bluegrass violin master Richard Greene, and the world's foremost cowboy swing guitarist, Bruce Forman.
"Dan Hicks is fly, sly, wily and dry!" - Tom Waits
Recorded and mixed at two historic California studios, The Plant in Sausalito and Capitol Studios in Hollywood, respectively, the album has a classic feel from start to finish. Dan is in great singing voice, the girls are jumping, the band is swinging, and the guests provide incredible musical inspiration.
Dan's songwriting is also showcased here with a collection of original tunes like "13-D" and "The Diplomat," that sound fresh but feel like they're already Hot Licks classics, as well as the very intimate song "A Magician," which offers a rare glimpse into the artist's quieter, more emotional side. The cover tunes he chose for this album reflect his mastery of the vintage music of the early 1900's, flavored by a love for legendary swing guitarist Django Reinhardt. However, rather than treating these tunes like museum pieces, he brings them to life again with a renewed vitality and vigor.
Throughout the 60s and 70s there was no one who sounded at all like Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, and remarkably, 35 years later, there still isn't. We now find ourselves again in an age of introspective sensitive singer-songwriters. Luckily for us, throughout the past decade and amidst the new wave of freak folk that prides itself on its eclecticism, Dan has re-assembled the Hot Licks. Getting back into the swing of regularly recording and touring, he has proven once again that the king of hipster-chic will always be Dan Hicks.
Show us the way, Dan.
The Dan Hicks Discography includes Original Recordings (with His Hot Licks) (1969), Where's The Money? (with His Hot Licks) (1971), Striking It Rich (with His Hot Licks) (1972), Last Train to Hicksville (with His Hot Licks) (1973), It Happened One Bite (1978), Shootin' Straight (with the Acoustic Warriors) (1994), Beatin' the Heat (with the Hot Licks) (2000), Alive & Lickin' (live album with the Hot Licks) (2001), Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks: Featuring an All-Star Cast of Friends (live CD + DVD) (2003), Selected Shorts (with The Hot Licks) (2004), and now Tangled Tales (with the Hot Licks) (2009).
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Swing Papillon
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From Portland, Oregon, Swing Papillon is a quartet rooted in the tradition of gypsy jazz and the Hot Club of France. The band was originally formed in 2007 by Michael Papillo (bass) who was dubbed Papillon by European gypsy jazz guitarist, Robin Nolan.
Bryan Cole Darby - Lead Guitar Best known for his work as lead vocalist and guitarist for the Portland based swing band Everythings Jake. Bryan has Performed up and down the west coast at popular venues like the Portland Zoo Concert Series and the Widbey Island Django Festival. Starting out on Ukulele at age seven it wasn't before moving on to guitar thanks to his number one influence, gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt. A prolific song writer Bryan has recorded and performed many of his original compositions on radio and television.
James Mason - Violin "James is one of the most natural and musical of jazz fiddle players--", Matt Glaser - director at Berklee College of Music. James began playing violin when he was 10, inspired by a musical family. At age 11 he entered his first fiddle contest and at 13 began learning Texas Style fiddling from the legendary Benny Thomasson while keeping within an earshot of Swing and Jazz... always inspired by Bob Wills, Joe Venuti and Stephane Grappelli. Throughout his musical career James has played and recorded Bluegrass, Country, Western Swing and Jazz, and has taught at various music camps and workshops over the past 20 years including Ashokan Fiddle and Dance, (birthplace of the famed Ashokan Farewell). James also works at the David Kerr Violin Shop in Portland, Oregon... repairing, restoring and making bows.
Hyung Nam - Rhythm Guitar Hyung is self-taught and has played guitar in bands from high school through college. His appreciation of music evolved from rock, punk, blues, avant-garde jazz and experimental improvisation to gypsy jazz. He formed his first band in high school with bassist Greg Richling, who later joined the Wallflowers. He formed the rhythm section of two gypsy jazz bands with Michael Papillo and has performed at Djangofest NW in 2006 with the Djangophiles and 2007 with Swing Papillon.
Patrick Harry - bass One of Portland's most talented, up-and-coming young Jazz musicians, Patrick Harry is a master of the upright bass. He has only played in Portland for a few short years. However, he has managed to make his mark in a number of styles. Patrick has been able to take advantage of the fact that Portland is teeming with so many world-class musicians. He has studied under (to name a few) Tim Gilson, Ken Baldwin, Glen Moore, Darrell Grant, Charley Gray, and Alan Jones. Patrick recently received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University. He plans to continue learning and playing as long as this fine city allows him to do so.
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