First, I’d like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Two Man Gentlemen Band for writing and recording the song “Tikka Masala”, for it is that song that finally dislodged Hall and Oates’ “Sara Smile” from my brainpan after a three-day residency. (I will admit to unironically enjoying a healthy portion of the Hall and Oates menu, but “Sara Smile” has never been a part of that portion.)
The first few notes you hear from the Two Man Gentlemen Band may have you bracing yourself for yet another “old timey” band, but just relax and listen. Be suitably impressed by the clean, skilled musicianship. Then be charmed by the cute, sly lyrical content (check out “Prescription Drugs” to hear where I pulled this post’s headline form) and the cheerful, winking personality. Finally, notice how you can’t keep your toe from tapping. You might have shimmied in your chair just a little, too. That’s the well-rounded experience of the Two Man Gentlemen Band.
The new TMGB album, Two at a Time, is a pure experience by design. Not only does the music contain references to and evolutions of pre-war pop, Les Paul-style guitar dreaminess, and swing music spirit (among other inspirations and influences), but the album was recorded on vintage equipment in glorious mono in straight-up one-shots with no overdubs or digital engineering, and the album art was created without the help of computers, as well, utilizing hand-set lettering, linotype and offset printing, and photos taken with good, ol’ film. I reiterate: this album is a well-rounded experience, polished with care and presented with love and, one assumes, more than a little bit of pride.
Two at a Time is available in LP, CD, and, if you must, digital formats at their Bandcamp site. They’re also embarking on some summer coast-to-coast touring, so check them out in your town if you can. Word on the street is that you won’t be disappointed. (Check their website for more details.)
05/03/12 Davis, CA Sophia’s Thai Kitchen US
05/04/12 Ukiah, CA Ukiah Brewing Company & Restaurant
05/05/12 Weaverville, CA Mamma Llama US
05/06/12 San Francisco, CA Amnesia US
05/16/12 Knoxville, TN Jig and Reel US
05/17/12 Bristol, TN 620 State US
05/18/12 Asheville, NC Altamont Brewing US
05/24/12 Portland, OR Duff’s Garage US
05/25/12 – 05/26/12 Port Angeles, WA Juan De Fuca Festival of the Arts US
05/26/12 Seattle, WA Conor Byrne Pub US
05/28/12 Burbank, CA Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill US
05/31/12 Casper, WY The Attic US
06/01/12 Fort Collins, CO Road 34 US
06/02/12 Casper, WY Private Event US
06/03/12 Denver, CO Hi Dive US
06/08/12 Lexington, KY Cosmic Charlies US
06/09/12 Chattanooga, TN Riverbend Festival US
06/10/12 Chattanooga, TN The Honest Pint US
06/12/12 Frederick, MD Cafe NOLA US
06/13/12 New York, NY Joe’s Pub US
06/14/12 Cambridge, MA Regatta Bar US
06/15/12 Northampton, MA Iron Horse Music Hall US
06/17/12 New York, NY Private Event US
06/21/12 Hampton, VA The Tap House US
06/22/12 Kill Devil Hills, NC Outer Banks Brewing Station US
07/12/12 Grand Rapids, MI Founder’s Brewing Co. US
07/14/12 – 07/15/12 Harbor Springs, MI Blissfest US
08/03/12 – 08/05/12 Happy Valley, OR Pickathon US
08/09/12 Cambridge, MA Club Passim US
08/10/12 Barnard, VT Private Event US
08/17/12 Annandale-on-Hudson, NY Spiegeltent at Bard College US
09/22/12 Berryville, VA Watermelon Park Festival US
Two Man Gentlemen Band Official Website
Two Man Gentlemen Band @ Bandcamp
Two Man Gentlemen Band @ Facebook
