Releases from The Speaker Sex…
Betty Boopish vocalist Melanie Dill joins with singer and arranger Tom Johnson and a mix of big band and small group swing on this upbeat album. The album has a feel like Louis Prima and Keely Smith, cozy on “Swingset Serenade” and bold and boisterous on “Ruth’s Couscous” and a hip “Speed of Light”. Think of Dan Hicks, with one of the Hot Licks out in front and you will be dressed for success. A hummer!
Nancy Erickson Lamont sings and writes most of the material along with pianist Shawn Schlogel, backed by a sleek team that includes Josh Nelson/p-key, Michael Glynn-Chris Symer/b, Stefan Schatz/dr and a ix of strings and horns. Erickson does some nimble bopping vocals on “Tick Tock” and “G ‘n’ K” while elegantly dramatic on “Miles Between” and the nocturnal “The Lighthouse”. Starlight wonders glow on “Auf Weidersehen, Goodnight” and dark stories unfold on ”Ghost”. Mature musing.
Playing acoustic guitar with a team of Josh Kaler/g, Jordan Perlson/dr, Jon Estes/b-p-org and a handful of guests, vocalist Stephanie Sammons features original tunes in a Nashville skyline mood. She’s a bit of a minstrel on “Innocence Lost” and teams up with guitarist/vocalist Verlon Thompson on a personal “Grow Up” . Heart on a country sleeve.