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“I
became absolutely addicted to certain songs and had to force
myself to listen to something else…wonderful music
played by exceptional musicians.”
Mary
Burlingame, KMHD Radio
The
Midnight Serenaders perform an infectious blend of old-time
jazz and early swing, offering up a sweet collection of
songs and tunes from the early 20th century. Fronted by
guitar slinger/crooner Doug Sammons and ukulele-plinking
chanteuse Dee Settlemier, this Portland, Oregon-based sextet
energizes audiences, and transports them on a melodic, swing-crazy
journey to the dance-happy era known as “the Jazz
Age,” where a catchy melody was queen and rhythm ruled
the land.
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The Midnight Serenaders
draw their repertoire from the rich heritage of early Americana:
from out of the Harlem Renaissance they bring “A Porter’s
Love Song To A Chambermaid,” written by James P. Johnson
and Andy Razaf, and Clarence Williams’ very saucy
“You Got To Give Me Some.” In addition they
do passionate renditions of Bessie Smith’s “Squeeze
Me” and Ethel Waters’ “My Handyman.”
The Serenaders unearth and reinterpret many long forgotten
songs from the 1920s and ’30s with inimitable panache.
Mr. Sammons’ buttery baritone crooning on Johnny Marvin’s
“Magnolia” will make any modern flapper swoon,
and Miss Settlemier’s down-around-the-ankles contralto
on such numbers as Annette Hanshaw’s “Six Feet
of Papa” is sweeter than the crease on a southern
peach. This versatile ensemble also features Hawaiian instrumentals,
like Andy Iona’s dreamy “Sand,” and even
songs from old-time country legend Jimmie Rodgers with “My
Carolina Sunshine Girl” and “Nobody Knows But
Me.”
The Serenaders rhythm section pounces
and swings, held down by the steady and dependable standup
bass work of veteran bassist Pete Lampe. But the key instrument
that some critics say makes the Serenaders’ sound
is the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, played with artful finesse
by Mr. Henry Bogdan, who adds sweet melodic layers to the
crooning songs and a taunting boost to the up-tempo numbers.
Or perhaps the secret ingredient is Garner Pruitt’s
chomping-at-the-bit trumpet playing interlaced with the
melodic and sweet playing of clarinetist David Evans. Nevertheless,
it is the sum of these parts that succeeds in creating a
totally delightful and effervescent music.
