Swing Theory
"Hearing Swing Theory," said one fan, "was the first time I really understood 'the standards.'" The band, in other words, plays the hits of the 1920s, '30s and '40s, but with a modern appreciation for the words and music.
Kerry Parker takes a sweetly ebulient approach to the songs she sings, giving today's listeners something of the thrill that their first audiences enjoyed. Couple that with her lyrical fiddling, and Swing Theory rises above the mimickry of revival bands to stake out a fresh direction.
Tom Murray's lead guitar playing, meanwhile, lifts the band into the magic realm of Django. With the salty, single-string flair of the legendary gypsy soloist, it's Tom who really keeps Swing Theory ahead of the curve.
Hal Glatzer calls himself "a lyrics guy." A singer and backup guitarist, whose style is sometimes old-fashioned and at other times ultra-new, Hal feels that these venerable songs must be made not only understandable but truly memorable, so they will never be lost.
And at the heart of the band is Myron Grossman's sturdy, stand-up bass: the "swing" foundation from which his fellow "theorists" can gently bob and weave, and rise up in joy.
