I've got to be honest, there aren't too many swing CDs taking up space in my collection. I couldn't tell my Big Bad Voodoo Daddies from Cherry Poppin' Daddies if the $64,000 question depended on it. However, I'll try anything once and if the energetic 'Livin' It Up' by NYC's Jet Set Six is anything to go by, it looks like I've been missing out.
Fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist, John Ceparano,  Jet Set Six is heading a retro swing-pop revival with some 100 miles-an-hour songs and an album that demonstrates an infectious and likeable coming together of pop, swing, jazz and rock.  For those in the know, Ceparano formed part of NYC's The Loveless, (who made one of the finest pop albums ever with 1995's 'A Tale Of Gin and Salvation'), so that reference alone was enough for me to give 'Livin' It Up' the once over.
And despite my non-existent knowledge of this genre I wasn't disappointed, because even though the music swings, the melodies definitely pop. 'Every Single Day (Of My Single Life)' must be the most upbeat break up song you are ever likely to hear, while 'Hotline' (featuring the band's contact number as a chorus) is an inspired piece of self promotion and tremendously catchy.
As well as possessing an ultra-cool name (derived from Tony Bennett's album, Songs For The Jet Set), the band also exude a vibe so smooth that the time spent recording 'Livin It Up' in 1998 must have been one non stop party. For the most part, the music sounds that way too, as songs like 'The Dame That Knotted My Rope' will have you feverishly checking Yellow Pages for swing clubs in your area. Ditto 'The Perpetual Bachelor', a song held over from Ceparano's former swing group, Beat Positive, and it's easy to see why. Great lyrics, a fast pace, excellent horns and a rocking guitar solo make it easily the standout cut of the album.
It's not without competition though. The laid back title track is among them and yet again demonstrates the band's big-band horn arrangements and rhythms, fizzing pop, and John's penchant for lyrics that bring a wry smile to your face: "It's always been a dog-eat-dog world/Ever since I was a little pup/Now I'm outta the doghouse/I'm livin' it up".
However, on the downside, songs such as 'Try', and 'If I Could Be Anyone' tend to sound a little too similar and blend seamlessly into one another. Maybe this was just overload for a swing virgin like myself or the fact I prefer the upbeat tunes, but either way, it doesn't detract from how enjoyable and goddamn original this album is.
With a new record due out anytime soon, and having performed on the Jenny Jones Show last year, I doubt whether the band is available for weddings or
barmitzvahs. Instead, grab a cocktail, stick 'Livin' It Up' on the CD player at your next party, and it won't be too long till everyone is up swingin' with Jet Set Six.

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