Album Notes

The Cosmic Cabaret Wise Guy returns to make light of self in his 2nd album - conducting a swing band with his ukulele in the mythical, metaphorical and musical recreation of humanity’s tail. And so Monkey Swing Monkey Doo reflects upon our lively origins, our enlightened potential and our capacity to love & express ourselves through such artforms as flinging poo at the zoo.

To this end Monkey Swing Monkey Doo is both thoughtfully composed and splattered with improvisation. Joining Doctor Sparkles are San Francisco’s Mad Duran (woodwinds), Chicago’s Anavi (vocals), New York’s Jim Dower (keyboards) and Norfolk’s Russell Scarborough (drums)… to name but a few of its creative contributors. (Full list below)*

By the way, Monkey Swing Monkey Doo was nominated by Toronto Exclusive Magazine for Best International Jazz Album.

PRESS REVIEWS:
"What do you get when you cross a ukulele and monkey doo? How about one of the best swing albums of the year?... Cabaret Jazz is a serious art form, and must be undertaken with a light heart and a sense of humor. Doctor Sparkles appears to have found the right formula.... This is an exciting album that will play well to crowds of all ages." (Wildy - Wildy's World)

"This is music that's contemporary but with the sound of history ingrained - that is to say it's living and breathing as opposed to mere pastiche.... It's firmly tongue-in-cheek, but at the same time the message is clear throughout all the songs: forget what's acceptable, conventional, and 'normal' - trust your feet, and get up and dance. Now that's the best (and perhaps most political) advice that I've had lately. Switch off the tv, and switch on to Doctor Sparkles - you won't regret it.
" (Clovis - Three Monkeys Online)

"The tone is lively and bright but there’s a Rive Gauche dark side to this CD as well; one minute you’re at a kindergartener’s birthday party and the next you’re jive-stepping down a dark alley in 1930s Berlin. Yes, this is a swing album, but there’s klezmer, blues, cabaret, and gypsy jazz here keeping it company.... This ukulele-strumming shaman-trickster-guru is here to provide you with a cartoon roadmap of creative mindfulness..." (Wanda Waterman St. Louis, The Mindful Bard - The Voice Magazine)

"Well on the first listen I realized I loved it!!! Doctor Sparkles really delivers on fun and swing along with a great knack for songwriting and crafting playful lyrics. He brings together the best aspects of modern swing like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies along with original swing masters such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Prima, etc." (Grog Mutant - The Chickenfish Speaks)


*Album Credits:
VOCALS: Anavi + Doctor Sparkles

HORNS: Don Beck (trumpet) + Janice Benner (clarinet) + Mad Duran (flute & sax) + Jeremy Flanagan (clarinet) + Rodrigo Santic (sax) + Doctor Sparkles (trombone & kazoo) + Ron Subeh (tuba)

RHYTHM: Peter Di Bono (accordion) + Andy Butler (bass) + Chris Brydge (bass) + Jim Dower (piano & organ) + Darick Felter (drums) + Andy Rexroat (drums) + Russell Scarborough (drums) + Doctor Sparkles (ukulele & lap steel guitar & marimba & percussion) + Ron Subeh (bass)

ENGINEERING: Marc Senasac + Doctor Sparkles

ART: Dorothy Coakley