Artist description Journeyman jazz performers punctuated by dynamic horn section reminiscent of Memphis Horns. Band is fronted by pianist/vocalist Chris Chandler who possesses a distinctive southern phrasing style and melodic innuendo. Reminiscent of Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Sam Cooke, Piano Red, et.al...

Music Style Big Band, Swing, Jazz, Shuffle/Jump Blues, R&B

Musical Influences Johnny Mercer, Ken Palmer, George Gershwin, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Nikki Hopkins, Mose Allison, The Beatles, Floyd Kramer, Debussy, F. Chopin, Mozart

Similar Artists Harry Connick, Jr., Brian Setzer, Royal Crown Revue

Artist History Formed in 1993, configurations vary from duo to 10 piece orchestra featuring a five horn section. Perform swing, shuffle blues,and classic R&B style with energy and soul.

Group Members Chris Chandler, leader/pianist/vocalist/songwriterAllen Murphy, drums, blues vocalistGeorge Grier, acoustic and electric bassDave Ferguson, trumpet and fluegle hornSil Austin, tenor saxophoneDub Hudson, alto saxophone

Instruments piano, drums, bass, guitar, trumpet/fluegel horn, tenor and alto saxophone, trombone, percussion

Albums Southern Charm & Swing; 88 Keys and the SwingKats; Lover's Holiday

Press Reviews About "Southern Charm and Swing" - I first met Chris Chandler at the Bottom Line...a funky litte jazz club in Savannah's City Market. Working as a radio sales rep, I was on the prowl for new business and went there to check out the jazz action. I was introduced to Chris over a cup of aromatic java, as black as a moonless night on Tybee Island. There was something charming about this man. I don't know if it was his simple, unpretentious demeanor or his knack for making life's frequent ironies downright funny, but it was Chris' charm that struck me more than any other attribute.Three years...his second album and hundreds of gigs later...Chris shares with us Southern Charm and Swing...his tribute to a legendary artist who personifies just about all that is positive and creative about the South. Chris has been talking about the project from early on. Already high on Savannah's "Huckleberry Friend," he appeared certain that Johnny Mercer was soon going to be a bigger part of his life.Chris threw himself into the project with a vengeance. He has always held the Savannah Swingsters and jazz cats, both living and long departed from this mortal coil, in high regard...a fact that is abundantly clear on this album. The music is pure Savannah; Mercer's music...Palmer's arrangements.Spanish moss...live oaks...sultry nights. Swing; Southern Charm and Swing.Ned CoffeyCOFFEY-JAZZ-N-BLUES-WHCJ-FMAbout "Lover's Holiday" - It is always a pleasure to be able to introduce and air a new personality/singer to a national audience. Especially a newcomer with a feel for standard and contemporary music that doesn't make demands, jar or unnerve the senses, while leaving a pleasant aftertaste and a desire to hear more.Like fine wine, vintage, bouquet, and taste are of utmost importance and while Chris is of recent vintage, the taste is satisfying....I look forward to more Chris Chandler in the future. Welcome Chris.Peter Mallon, WRZN-Sunshine, 720 Radio

Location Marietta, GA - USA

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