The Two Man Gentlemen Band’s brand of hot, raucous, retro swing is fast becoming an underground sensation. Just a few years ago, The Gentlemen were busking in
New York City’s parks and subways. These days, they traverse the country incessantly, playing hundreds of shows per year for ever-expanding crowds of dedicated fans.
The Two Man Gentlemen Band sound is a high-energy blend of the vintage and the modern. Their style – musically & visually – incorporates elements of hot jazz, rhythm & blues, tin-pan alley, and western swing. And their “keen vocal harmonies” (The New Yorker) recall 20s and 30s groups like the Mills Brothers. But their pithy, irreverent original tunes are full of lyrics “so off the beaten path as to be virtually cliche free.” (Bluegrass Journal).
On their breakout sixth release, DOS AMIGOS UNA FIESTA, (Serious Business Records) The Gents consistently “prove that making old-fashioned music needn’t be polite or predictable” (Time Out New York). They deftly balance lighthearted and often hysterical romps about reefer, wine, boy/girl parties, and chocolate milk with tender ballads of loneliness and fidelity. And with their cautionary, gospel-tinged stomp about the forgotten, alcoholic President Franklin Pierce they once again “take smart songwriting to a whole new level.” (Mental Floss) It is a party record, and a dance record, yes. But it’s also a musical portrait of the thrills, troubles, and temptations of a life spent barnstorming from coast to coast.
The Two Man Gentlemen Band’s live show is an absolute must-see. Some reviews: “Terrifically entertaining!” (Mountain Xpress – Asheville, NC) “An unparalleled experiment in controlled chaos!” (Seven Days – Burlington, VT) “This kind of good time is rarely seen anymore!” (Valley Advocate – Northampton, MA). “Romping, outstanding fun!” (About.com) “They put on a clinic in how to engage an audience.” (New Haven Register – New Haven, CT)
Consummate entertainers, The Gents (Andy Bean – Tenor Guitar & Vocals, Fuller Condon – String Bass & Vocals) match their instrumental prowess with enough charisma to woo even the most skeptical listener. They very simply command your attention. Their improvised banter, with each other and the audience, is as entertaining as the music. And the stomping shout-alongs that pepper their shows whip crowds into a sort of frenzy not typically associated with acoustics duos. Their showmanship and panache transcend whatever niche their musical style suggests.
After a spectacular 2009 in which they made their national radio and television debut on The Bob & Tom Show and opened a handful of concerts for the Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, & John Mellencamp summer tour, The Two Man Gentlemen Band is back at it this year with two full-length releases and a perpetually busy festival and club schedule.
