REVIEW: Set 'Em Up Joe, Set 'Em Up Joe (Daddy-O/Royalty)
- Franklin Johnson
The latest band to take advantage of the swing revival is New York City's Set 'Em Up Joe. This five-piece unit from the Big Apple offer up all the energy of a 1940s swing party with the professionalism needed to rise above the slew of imitators riding the latest craze.
With a name clipped from a popular phrase from 50 years ago, it's no surprise that these sharp dressers want to have a good time. Songs such as "Zoot Suit" can be a riot, even if the Cherry Poppin' Daddies have claimed all associations of the 'Z' word with today's teenagers. Understated horns are a welcome relief from others' over-the-top, bombastic efforts. Instead, Matt Hughes' bass takes center stage. Vocalist Greg Mangus doesn't emulate Ol' Blue Eyes, but instead comes off more in the image of Dean Martin. Subtle differences, true, but all important in the end.
Even if Set 'Em Up Joe doesn't find the key to radio airplay (hint: get "Zoot Suit" in a commercial), these guys can clearly put on a show. Definitely worth a listen the next time you pass through the record store.
