Album Notes

The Feetwarmers' music on "Instant Mardi Gras" represents the best of New Orleans Jazz idioms -- beat, rhythm, syncopated melodies, improvisation and creative solos. The band has a traditional New Orleans front line trumpet, tailgate trombone and clarinet with a rhythm section of tenor banjo and string bass.

Harkening back to the sounds of the 20's and 30's, the Feetwarmers pump out an infectious, all-acoustic, totally unplugged brand of jumping jazz with the only amplification being the megaphone  "Reggie'' uses for singing.

The Feetwarmers are an Instant Mardi Gras...not just a New Orleans Mardi Gras, but a Mardi Gras for anywhere and anyone. With some great old tunes and a spirit of uncomplicated joy, the Feetwarmers remind us that whatever might come, we're all glad to be here.
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LINER NOTES FOR REGGIE'S CD Instant Mardi Gras

Let's say you see the Feetwarmers off in the distance at one of their many outdoor gigs, like the Saratoga Race Track or the Hildene, Vermont Craft Fair. The first thing that reaches you is the beat. Not the jackhammer of amplified pop but a happy lilt that sneaks into you sideways and makes you feel instantly better than you were just a minute ago. Walk a little closer and you see a lot of red bouncing along with the beat. Red socks, red suspenders, red neckties and Reggie's red bass fiddle. This is old-time red hot music at its best. The heat is in the beat, not in the amplifiers. Then maybe you'll hear the whole band singing in jazzy barbershop harmony, Reggie crooning into his red megaphone or the sweet strains of Frank on clarinet. Mike blows a hot chorus, Peter makes the banjo ring and sing, and Tommy tells the truth on his trombone. A crowd comes from all directions and makes a half circle around the band. Absolutely everyone is there ‹ small children and oldsters, famous people and ordinary folks. Everybody finds his own groove. Little children clap, a couple dances, an old man sings along. The Feetwarmers are what music was meant to be before life got complicated.
Put on this CD and let them into your life!
I can tell you all this because I've been late for work. It's a long drive from New York City to the Saratoga Track where I play with the Feetwarmers when Mike takes a day off. I've heard them in the distance while hurrying to put on my red tie and red suspenders. I've seen them draw a crowd so quickly that getting through it can be a problem. Playing with the Feetwarmers is great; almost as much fun as it is to be part of the audience.
Wherever and whenever you hear them, the Feetwarmers are an Instant Mardi Gras. You'll appreciate that they've chosen a Fat Tuesday theme for this CD. Not just a New Orleans Mardi Gras, but a Mardi Gras for anywhere and anyone. These are great old tunes with a spirit of uncomplicated joy that reminds us that whatever might come, we're all glad to be here.

Album Notes by Peter Ecklund, renowned composer, arranger, and inestimable super-sub.