On November 27 I had the esteemed privilege of attending a concert by Squirrel Nut Zippers. I have been a fan of this band for over 20 years and was elated to learn they were touring again and making a stop at Seattle’s Crocodile, one of Seattle’s long-standing clubs.
This eight-piece hailing from Chapel Hill, NC, plays music that is very reminiscent of the later swing years (think Cab Calloway) as well as some country flavor thrown in. They are fronted by the very dynamic and very charismatic Jimbo Mathus. Besides bursting with charm, Jimbo wore a red lame’ jacket with a red vest and a red wide-brimmed hat with shaggy white hair dangling beneath. He was matched by the equally entertaining Cella Blue on alternating vocals (the two of them made beautiful harmony) and occasional tambourine. She danced flirtatiously throughout and had incredible pipes. The various outfits she wore were just as entertaining. She at first came out wearing a green silk kimono over a skimpy gold dress, then left the stage only to return wearing a red plaid suit and at the end she wore a skimpy Santa Clause type outfit with a short red skirt and black fishnets. Tamara Nicolai on upright bass added to the charisma department, often holding her bass above her head, among other antics. Also, Steve Suter was on T’bone, and Leslie Martin on piano.
The entire concert was full of Christmas songs and Christmas props (Cilla danced with a giant candy cane).
Other members came to the front to sing lead on some songs. Drummer Kevin O’Donnell sang a country flavored song called Gift of the Magi, a beautiful, haunting piece that had the audience mesmerized. Sax player Henry Westmoreland also took over on lead vocals a couple of times. Besides being really cute, his voice was crystal and very sensual.
Fiddle player, Dr. Sick, was all over the stage, barely standing in one place for more than a few seconds and often spun his bow about like a parade baton. He also played guitar, drums and musical saw. Squirrel Nut Zippers are a very versatile band. They’re serious musicians, yet their stage performance is wrought with very tongue in cheek humor.
For the encore the entire band left the stage and danced and played amongst the very enthusiastic crowd. Said crowd was packed. Squirrel Nut Zippers may have gone on hiatus for a number of years, but they haven’t been forgotten. This was one fun-filled show. The rest of SNZ horn section included the very talented Charlie Halloran (trombone), Dave Boswell (trumpet) while Kris Tokarski added some very lively piano throughout. The sound was impeccable.
I hope they come back to Seattle very soon.
– All Photos Property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
