Artist description Smackwater Jack is dedicated to making good music, and having fun doing it. We like to get a crowd dancing, and will go far to get a laugh. We have a broad range of influences, from ska, to rock, blues, and funk, and try to mix all these flavors into our sound. Unlike some bands, we don't have a single songwriter who dictates all the rules. We all share in the process, and also are known for switching instruments mid-song. We also have a lot of good singers in our group, and try to showcase each of their talents. Overall, we are a lean, mean, music-making machine.

Music Style Ska, Rock, Funk, Swing, Jazz, Latin, Carribean

Musical Influences The Simpletons, Elvis Costello, The Toasters, They Might Be Giants, Pietasters, Tom Waits, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jars of Clay, The Beatles, Cake, Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Similar Artists Cake, The Pietasters, Chase, The Toasters

Artist History In August of '99, Mike, Pete, Justin, and Chuck, who had been in another band together (The Simpletons) recruited Ben and Sam to join them in the quest for music with a higher purpose than money, a higher purpose than fame - yes - even a higher purpose than music itself....come see us to find out what we're talking about...

Group Members Sam Schutte - trumpet/guitar/vocals, Pete Chambers- trombone/vocals/aux perc, Mike Butkovic - guitar/vocals/aux perc, Ben Cook - percussion, Justin Repasky - saxophone/vocals/piano, Chuck Singer- Bass

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Drums, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Aux Percussion

Albums Our debut album: "Can I Keep You?" Buy one today!!!

Press Reviews After the demise of Pittsburgh ska powerhouse, the Simpletons, one would expect the remaining members of the band to pick up the pieces and start where they left off. Such is not the case here. The band got a new drummer, a guitarist/trumpeter, a new name, and started a unique journey within their music. Smackwater Jack is born. Smackwater Jack is an eclectic music trip that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats and yearning for more. The Pittsburgh outfit recently released an EP entitled "Can I Keep You?" The band's sound is difficult to firmly pin down. The one thing that is for certain is that no stone is left unturned. With each member taking to their personal influences, the outfit moves from ska to rock to funk and beyond, making sure it all gets in the mix. The album starts with a tune called 'Michael Collins.' The track is a fine pop song that begins with a very upbeat horn intro. There is a heavy emphasis on the beat of the song. The tempo shifts with great precision and the tune also boasts great changes from the verses to the chorus and back. There is also some added percussion for your delight. It is a very catchy song with a chorus that will stick in your head for days. The next track on the record is 'My Crime.' This song is very reminiscent of the late band NY Citizens. The track is accentuated with some great slap bass, a very fluid funk rhythm and some impressive vocal work that take the band into another dimension. The sax and trombone solos on this tune are especially killer. 'Crazy' is a straight-up ska song that is probably the most reminiscent of the band's past as the Simpletons. The driving force behind this song is the fantastic guitar playing. The song travels between ska, rock, and a little reggae not giving any one part more dominance rather keeping a great balance. The last song on the EP, 'TJ,' showcases the great talent this band has. The song is a journey, clocking in just over 5 minutes, through so many genres that it can only be described in one term, distinctive. It goes from a reggae-jazz intro, moves into rock, then to a ska verse, capping it all off with a catchy pop chorus. This song also has its strength in the rhythm. The changes are not confusing or unnecessary; rather they bring the song to new heights and add a dimension of feeling and emotion. The greatest benefit this band has is its songwriting. Rather than pumping out tunes, the band carefully crafts each song to perfection. This is displayed very well throughout the EP. They truly treat each song as a baby, caring for it, nurturing it and, above all, doing what is best for it. With a great debut under their belt and a new release coming out sometime in the near future Smackwater Jack looks like they are going to big places in the very near future. - Steven R. Bauer - Pgh. Ska Newsletter

Additional Info If you'd like to contact us for any reason, (gigs, CDs, infomation), send an email to info@smackwaterjack.com

Location Pittsburgh, PA - USA

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