by Gary Gregg | Oct 16, 2013 | News
“What type of music do you play?” Having been with Chaise Lounge since nineteen ninety-something, I hear that question a lot. So far, all the great and near-great minds in and around the band have yet to come up with a clear answer.
OK! Cut to a car dealership in September 2012. My rep, Hugh, who also happens to be a roots-rock bass player and long-time Lounge fan, made a comment about our latest CD, Dot Dot Dot: “You don’t take your fans too far in any one direction.” While not finding that elusive genre I’ve sought for so long, his off-hand remark make me feel a little closer to a possible answer. But my quest continues. If you have an answer to the question “What kind of music does Chaise Lounge play,” let us know in the comments below!
–Gary
by Charlie Barnett | Oct 6, 2013 | News
The new Chaise Lounge album, Dot Dot Dot, debuted on the national CMJ jazz chart last week at #23. This week it shot up to #12!
by Charlie Barnett | Sep 24, 2013 | News, Press, Reviews
The first review for Dot Dot Dot is in, and it’s a doozie. Thanks, Chris Spector of Midwest Record!
Not only does this crew just keep getting cooler each time out, the retro times have caught up to them, as this is so in the ‘Mad Men’ pocket that it’s impossible to figure out which end of the retro-neuvo spectrum is which. A throwback to groovy jazz firing up the suburbs, everyone here is so on the money that it’s mind blowing. Charlie Barnett writes great stuff. Marilyn Older has a total knack for these vocals. The rest of the crew that first turned up for a one-off lark is right in step with the whole thing. Jaded tastes that just need to come flying out of the box with some fun will really appreciate this set, the group’s sixth outing that really moves them into the gold circle. Offbeat, sly and solidly performed, this set will reside on any hip adult’s hit parade for quite some time. Hot stuff throughout.
by Gary Gregg | Sep 16, 2013 | News
One of the delights of working with Chaise Lounge is its wide range of musical styles. Classical, rock, and jazz songs are grouped together in a way that flows evenly. This time-warped ensemble bounces between decades allowing me to say hello to long lost friends. Remember the 60’s Swingle Singers? If so, look forward to “In Walked Mo.” Heard of Sil Austin? “My Blue Heaven” or “The Best Part of My Losing Streak” will drop you into the middle of a late-night rockin’ nightclub of the 50’s. There’s some 70’s psychedelic flavor lurking in the book under the guise of “You,” and ageless show tunes like “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” One of my favorite styles is the 50’s shuffle rhythm that Tommy encapsulates so beautifully. Think Rat Pack Vegas, a mobbed-up strip hotel, show lounges, smokey wee hours, Keely Smith frowning at Louis Prima, and Sammy Butera and the Witnesses doing their thing. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!
There’s a rumor that Charlie has a time machine hidden in his basement. Do you, Charlie? If so, keep it in working order so the rest of us can continue to enjoy the trips hither and yon.
–Gary
by Charlie Barnett | Aug 15, 2013 | News
That was really fun last night at Lee District Park. I think the last time we played Bali Ha’i was in 2003! What a beautiful song. And Marilyn was mesmerizing.
— Charlie
by Charlie Barnett | Aug 13, 2013 | News
I had to step back while cooking over the weekend. I got a kick out of noticing my iPad on one side providing a decent recipe for grilled eggplant and the vinyl sharing the same space. Sorry iTunes, sometimes you can’t beat the sounds coming off the grooves of the LP! Hopefully in a week I’ll be cookin’ to the new Dot Dot Dot LP!
The analog world working with the digital!
— Tommy
