Squirrel Nut Zippers – What Genre is Squirrel Nut Zippers?
Among the many jazz groups, Squirrel Nut Zippers are unique for the DIY aesthetic they apply to their music. Formed in 1993, they adapted the DIY aesthetic to early 20th century popular music and became well-known when their second album, Hot, went platinum. Songs like Hell and Put a Lid on It made them popular worldwide. But how did they become so successful? How did they find their niche?
Jazz
When the Squirrel Nut Zippers were just starting out, they weren’t sure what kind of music to play. They were interested in trying a genre that merged jazz and rock, so they started recording and touring around the South. The band also started writing their own music, and a song named “Anything But Love” ended up on the soundtrack of a comedy film. But the genre didn’t end up being jazz, and the band soon moved on to other forms of music.
Among the songs the Zippers played during their run were a few classics from the early 1930s. Those songs aren’t necessarily dated, but the title suggests that they originated in a more romantic era than the Swing era, which spanned from 1935 to 1945. Other references include the white trash squatter in the movie “Absolom, Absalom!,” the 1930s-set “Blue Angel,” and the Southern Gothic hell fire revival.
Alternative to alternative
The Squirrel Nut Zippers is a jazz, big band, and alternative rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The group was formed in 1993 and split in 2000, but reformed in 2007. The members are Jim Mathus, Je Widenhouse, Stuart Cole, Henry Westmoreland, Chris Phillips, and Dave Boswell. The band is named after its distinctive sound, which combines elements of jazz, Southern Roots, and Klezmer.
While the band hasn’t released new music in over fifteen years, their concert last night featured songs from the 1996 album Hot. The band started the show with the song “Karnival Joe.” Jimbo played guitar and banjo while Dr. Sick danced around. Jimbo climbed up on an upright bass and shook a snake cane. While their music is still popular, they aren’t as funny as they once were.
Alternative to punk
If you’re looking for an alternative to punk, consider the North Carolina septet Squirrel Nut Zippers. Formed 26 years ago, the band’s debut album The Inevitable was a breath of fresh air in an age of pop and metal. Their debut album – which was accompanied by the equally excellent Lost Songs of Doc Souchon – incorporated horns and acoustic guitars while never losing the punk spirit. The band even toured with the Beasts of Burgundy while performing material from the group’s new album, “Hot.” The resulting tour included a performance of “Prince Nez,” a song from Squirrel Nut Zippers’ latest album.
Since then, Squirrel Nut Zippers have sold over three million albums. Their watershed hit Hot has gone platinum. Formed in the mid-90s in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the band is known for its innovative sound, mixing jazz chords with punk rock to create a unique sound. Their music has been hailed as a modern alternative to punk, and even has made it to commercial radio.
Swing
In the early 1990s, the Squirrel Nut Zippers brought the music of the old south back to life, merging Delta blues with gypsy jazz. Their work became synonymous with the Swing Revival. They will be performing at the Wharton Center on January 18.
Among the many bands whose sound evokes big band jazz, the Squirrel Nut Zippers are among the most popular. The band’s members include the founder and lead singer James “Jimbo” Mathus. Other members of the band include Dr. Sick and Cella Blue, who sing with the band and play guitar, fiddle and banjo. Drummers Neilson Bernard III and Leslie Martin also contribute to the band’s sound, and Dave Boswell plays trumpet.
Samba-blues
Squirrel Nut Zippers were formed in 1993 in the small town of Efland, North Carolina. The duo was inspired by the music of the Swing era and used that sentimental sound in their songs. Swing audiences favored slow, sentimental tunes, and Squirrel Nut Zippers’ songs evoke this same sentimentality. In their first album, “Beasts of Burgundy,” the band included Swing era influences, such as Congo Square rhythms and carnival storytelling. Before joining Squirrel Nut Zippers, Raleigh had been a biomedical engineer. He was also a member of Loose Lunatics, and a former biomedical engineer, before joining the group. Don Raleigh played in the band before joining the group, and had his own experimental
Squirrel Nut Zippers employ sentimentality and a back-up chorus to add a sentimental element to songs. Back-up choruses, composed of three or four singers, would harmonize when the soloist took center stage. Sometimes, the back-up chorus would respond with different lyrics or simply a hum. Today, groups similar to these are still popular, including a capella vocal groups. In fact, some of them have even found commercial success.
What is the name of the lead singer of the Squirrel Nut Zippers?
Answer: Jimbo Mathus
What is the name of the band’s 1996 album?
Answer: Hot
What is the name of the band’s 1997 album?
Answer: Perennial Favorites
What is the name of the band’s 1998 album?
Answer: The Inevitable
What is the name of the band’s 1999 album?
Answer: Bedlam Ballroom
What is the name of the band’s 2000 album?
Answer: Sold Out
What is the name of the band’s 2002 album?
Answer: The Best of the Squirrel Nut Zippers
What is the name of the band’s 2003 album?
Answer: Lost at Sea
What is the name of the band’s 2004 album?
Answer: Christmas Caravan
What is the name of the band’s 2005 album?
Answer: The Pinedrops
What is the name of the band’s 2007 album?
Answer: The Best of the Squirrel Nut Zippers: 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection
What is the name of the band’s 2008 album?
Answer: Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind
What is the name of the band’s 2010 album?
Answer: The Sweet Nutty Sounds of the Squirrel Nut Zippers
What is the name of the band’s 2011 album?
Answer: beasts of Burgundy
What is the name of the band’s 2013 album?
Answer: Put a Lid on It
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
