The Recliners, Club Chicago, May
23, 1997
Opening Act - They opened for Indigo Swing
Well, my week of three shows in three days was starting to get to me, so I topped
things off with the soothing vocal stylings of The Recliners, an Austin, TX lounge band. I
would have never even considered going to see this group, except that I happened to catch
their act in Austin when I was there for the BNL show. Afterwards, several people went
over to the Ritz and heard this incredibly funny and talented group doing covers of things
like "Back in Black", Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff", and Billy Idol's
"White Wedding". It was such a good time, that I contacted them via their web
site to get their CD. When it arrived in the mail, there was a note from guitarist, Eric
Calistri, that they would be in Houston on Friday night, so suddenly I had plans.
First the venue: Club Chicago was opening that night. It's located on Greenridge near
59 and Fountainview in Houston. It is a new swing club and the swingers were out in
droves. I couldn't believe all the people who could actually do all those cool dances.
Definitely different than the primarily college crowd in Austin. Since The Recliners were
openers, they played a couple of short sets. The lead singer, Neal Mehta, recognized my
friend and I from the Austin show, and was happy to see familiar faces amongst these hard
core swing fans.
The show was great, with all their standards, including "Stairway
to Heaven"
and the Ramones "I Wanna Be Sedated" as well as some originals that
I just love,
"Deeper and Deeper" and "Different Games". They had just
gotten back from doing a festival with The Offspring and L7, which seemed like
an odd mix and crowd for them, but I think that their sound would be unique in
any environment. Nevertheless, these guys are a great time. Check out their CD, "Cosa
Caliente", or see them
when they're in town again.
Indigo Swing was the big swing headliner, and all the dancers were out in full force
for their set. Since I don't know anything about them, I can't tell you much about what
they played. They were very good, their lineup including a standup bass which I always
like to see. I'm thinking about taking Swing lessons and getting into this whole
lifestyle....
On That Note, I'm outta here......
C
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