Swingdom in the Kingdom, the Slant Six Swing band’s newly released compact disc, makes me wish I knew what I was doing on the dance floor. Unfortunately, when it’s "Too Darn Hot," "I Fall to Pieces" before I "Boogie Back to Texas."
Just try and keep your feet still while listening to fast-paced selections like "Jump, Jive and Wail" and Bump Bounce Boogie." My kitchen floor gets one hell of a buffing when Swingdom in the Kingdom is playing at my house.
But your don’t have to listen to the Slant Six Swing Band at home (although with the release of this CD, you have the option). The band is performing a benefit concert for the Vermont Foodbank at the Irasburg Town Hall February 20th. [2010]
In addition to the honey-saturated, luxurious vocals of Heidi Walsh, the band is composed of incredibly talented musicians. Everyone in the Kingdom who has a piano knows John Young, who sings and plays keyboards, horn, and harp.
Doug Reid’s violin playing is recognizable after you’ve heard him only once. (Though I would have loved to hear his rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on this CD, the song doesn’t quite fit with the theme of the disc. But it always makes me cry. He’s that good.)
What would a swing band be without horns? In addition to his brass offerings and vocals, Lonny "Londog" Gustafson plays guitar, pedal steel, and flute. Keeping the beat, Brett Hoffman sings and plays drums, and Gary Lotspeich sings and plays bass.
This band is incredibly fun to watch as well as hear. Having played together since 2001, they clearly have a good time of it. If you are looking for a somber ensemble for your wedding, do not hire the Slant Six Swing Band. If you want your guests jumping out of their chairs to hit the dance floor, these are your people.
Before reading the liner notes, I had an odd thought: I want this band to play at my funeral. Imagine my surprise when I read that in addition to weddings and "fancy balls," the Slant Six Swing Band also plays at wakes!
The liner also notes, "We’ve been told by folks we trust (some of whom have paid us to play) that our music doesn’t suck." I heartily agree.
Buy Swingdom in the Kingdom and mark your calendars for the Cabin Fever Dance Party in Irasburg. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Bring whatever beverages you’d like and canned goods to donate to the food bank. A $15 donation is requested at the door. Check out the band at