Album Notes

"Hep to the swing with that git down thing..."

What happens when you take tradition on a roller coaster ride with fun and flexibility? You get the superlative sounds of the guitar and violin swing trio Jive Five Minus Two. Tom Grant (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Jon Dichter (guitar, vocals, harmonica), & Arty Artymiw (swing violin) form a musical sensation versatile enough to swing and scat on your front porch, or to energize a crowd from a floodlit stage.

Inspired by harmonies and tonality found in southern stringbands and classic swing tunes of America's earlier times, Jive Five Minus Two blends these diverse styles into an energetic form of Appalachian Swing.

Whether "zinging" their own tunes or borrowing old jewels from Duke Ellington, Stuff Smith, Johnny Mercer, and R. Crumb and his Cheap Suit Serenaders, the band spins a musical charm that captures the audience with their talent and enthusiasm.

These three are perfectly matched in song, style, and swingability. Their talents and on-stage chemistry combine to create new interpretations of old favorites and new originals that excite a wide range of audiences.
Rich Kardon, owner of The Point in Bryn Mawr, PA, commented: "When these guys are playin', everybody's happy!" Gene Shay, folk DJ for 88.5 FM in Philadelphia, and perennial host of the Philly Folk Fest says: "Swingtime favorites and neat little jazz ditties are the specialty of the house when Jive Five Minus Two are cooking. If you like your music hot and tasty - they are your 'blues' plate special!"