Feature Article / Show Review

Night Grooves
By Uncle Mike

Well, all the hep cats and hip kitties packed Club Bene’s Leopard Lounge to check out the red hot Swingerhead out of Orlando, Florida.  And believe me, the joint was jumpin’!  Featuring one of the finest frontmen in all of 90’s swingdom, Michael Andrew, Swingerhead more than lived up to their advance billing.  Decked out in his leopard suit and black satin shirt, Michael Andrew led Swingerhead through an hour and 40 minutes of pure swing magic featuring swing classics as well as nine cuts from the band’s last release, She Could Be A Spy.

Simply put, this was a monster performance of jump, jive and wail, the likes of which the Leopard Lounge crowd has rarely seen.  From the core band of Michael Andrew (lead v’s./bongos), Bobby Brennan (upright bass), Tad DeBrock (sitting in on electric g.), Roger King, Jr. (drums) and Christian Tamburr (vibraphone), to the killer horn section featuring Chris Charles & Dean Mongerio (baritone/tenor/alto sax), Steve Falkner (trumpet) and Tim Keehn (trombone), Swingerhead swung like nobody’s business. Whether it was Louis Jordan’s "Five Guys Named Moe" or a 60’s rock and roll number entitled, "One Mint Julep", the boys nailed it. And nailed it big time.  Their Bobby Darin medley of "Beyond The Sea," Splish, Splash" and "Mack The Knife," immediately established Michael Andrew as a top-flight crooner.  And while each and every song was a gem, Swingerhead’s finest moments came on L. J.’s "Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t (Ma Baby)" (hot trumpet & vibes), "At The Strip" (original juke joint ditty), "Candy For Breakfast" (light hearted romp reminiscent of the 20’s & 30’s), "Pick Up The Phone" (swingin’ g./big bass/and oh those vibes/ crowd fave), "Lady With The Big Cigar"   (M.A. shines on vocals/just doesn’t get any smoother), "Babette Of The RKO" (M.A. rocks), "Let’s Rendezvous" (down & dirty blues #), "It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)" (classic rendition) and "Alley Cats Don’t Sleep At Night"(packed the dance floor for this perfect closer).

Look,  you can easily run out of superlatives when describing the musical talents of Swingerhead. Each and every band member is a consummate pro. Michael Andrew is a classic singer of song, frontman extraordinaire and the brains behind the operation.   The rhythm section is dynamite. Christian Tamburr is a vibes master.  And the horn section is electrifying.  They are undeniably the heart and soul of this band’s big time sound. 

So, if you’re wondering where all the talent is in today’s music, check out the swing scene. And when you checkout the swing scene, start with Florida’s Swingerhead. 

Take it from me...  It don’t mean a thing if you haven’t heard "the Head" swing!  That’s Swingerhead! S-W-I-N-G-E-R-H-E-A-D!