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.