Swell Brothers - 2023 - Just A Couple of Swells

(38:50; Swell Brothers)

Here we have the debut album from the wonderful new hip duo of the brothers Moses Swell and Dewey Swell. On the cover it says that is who is involved, and according to Bandcamp, Dewey provides flute, clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes, piano, organ, Wurlitzer electric piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, electric bass, double bass, violin, cello, and kanun while Moses provides drums, percussion, marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, xylophone, piano, organ, synthesizer, trombone, trumpet, tuba, cimbasso, bassoon, lots of strings, electric and acoustic bass, and pan pipes. Then looking down further it is possible to see they have two guests with Dave Newhouse on pennywhistle and Michael Bass on triangle. Now take a closer look at the cover, and you will soon realise that the Swell Brothers are in fact these esteemed musicians who used to be in The Muffins, and this is a pisstake. That they also then cover “Brix”, which they used to play, is even more of a giveaway. Have a look at Bandcamp to read the back story they have created for themselves, family, and for each of their songs. As for what they say about The Muffins, “Little is known about the band as they've since faded into obscurity, probably due to their name.”

Now, while the name of the band, the stories behind their family, the rationale behind the songs and their obvious disdain for The Muffins is all very tongue in cheek, when these guys get down to the music it is serious business indeed. There is a great del going on for just two musicians, and although there are a few guests here and there this is very much the work primarily of Dave and Michael. The use of xylophone, glockenspiel and marimba have very important parts to play, and one often gets the feeling this is a big band in the studio as opposed to just two guys laying down multiple tracks. Although they tag it as “experimental” as well as “new jazz”, that is probably not really too valid as much of what they do appears to fall almost into the mainstream, just being moved in different directions. If Zappa was working with an orchestra, then one could imagine him coming up with something similar.

Dave and Michael are at a point in their careers where they make music because they have an inner driving need, as they have deliberately somewhat distanced themselves from this so the chances are it will not be picked up by many in the media who will treat this as a new band by some unknowns. Also, by using the name they have given themselves it is almost impossible to search for reviews as too many other items come up. That is a real shame, as this is a thoroughly enjoyable album which reminds me of the Fifties scene yet being given a modern twist and excitement. For jazz lovers everywhere, although I did smile when I realised Jazz Music Archives deemed them to be “exotica”.  

Kev Rowland, April 2024

Links:
https://swellbrothers1.bandcamp.com/