Why look forward when you can sound good gazing back? Here are two groups that mix the vintage with modern.
Blue Moon Marquee consists of AW Cardinal, who sings and plays guitar, and Jasmine Colette, who handles the bass, drums and sings a bit as well. This album consists of originals that have a mix of delta and rockabilly boogie. Cardinall’s voice is a mix of Captain Beefheart and Tom Waits, graveling and growly on “Trickster Coyote” and snarling on “Runaway Lane.” The guitar work is juke joint jumpin’ on the wailing “Tossin ‘n Turnin’ and shuffling “Driftin’” while the actual highlight is when Colette gets a chance at the mic. Her dreamy toned voice on the slow stroll of “Ain’t No Stranger” makes you beg for more.
The Hot Sardines make you want to party like it’s 1929 on this collection of originals and Prohibition Era covers. Sweet as cider vocals by “Miz Elizabeth” Bougerol are two stepped swung by Evan Palazzo/key, Sam Raderman/g, Evan Crane/b, Alex Raderman/dr and a horn section of Mike Sailors and Nick Myers. Bougeral is sassy as the trumpet growls on “Runnin’ Wild” and slinks through some pizzicato strings as the band tangos through a delightful “People Will Say We’re In Love.” A cozy duet with with Bob Parins on “Sweet Pea” is a delight, while the drums pound out a hootchie cootchie on “Gramercy Sunset.” You feel like you’re at some illegal speakeasy as Palazzo’s piano caresses Bougeral’s cabaret tone on “Until The Real Thing Comes Along.” The 1920s are the new 2010s.