Album Notes

Seattle, Washington has always been fertile ground for the evolution of all kinds of music. And, in the 1970’s, a group of young, talented musicians who preferred jazz over rock but still wanted to make a living playing music they love joined forces under the direction of Jerry A. Ranger and featuring Cheryl Bentyne. Taking the best of the swing era and making it their own, The New Deal Rhythm Band used showmanship combined with musicianship to introduce the music of their parents to the next generation. The New Deal played to packed houses from local taverns to Nevada showrooms. They were camp, they were hip and they defied logic at their success. For instance, when The New Deal played the Rainbow Tavern in the “U District” (University of Washington) in Seattle, the crowd would be overflowing into the street and when the sirens started (meaning it was time for “Reefer Man”) the entire crowd had the lead-in patter memorized!

This first album by the New Deal Rhythm Band features Cheryl Bentyne who later left the band to join the Manhattan Transfer. Cheryl's amazing vocal range and dynamic presence was apparent from the very start. . Jerry A. Ranger continues to write music everyday because that’s the kind of guy he is. For more of The New Deal Rhythm Band check out “Swing Out In the Groove” and “The White Album.”

When the New Deal Rhythm Band performed its contemporary interpretation of swing music, they would get the crowds jumpin’ and jivin’ and without question, everyone had fun! The music is irresistible which explains why swing music lives on! Enjoy…and we challenge you not to tap your foot or smile!