Search - Hooligans :: Traditions

The Swingin' Ska that's got you groovin tonight...

Eleanor | Bangor, ME | 03/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an incredible band... everything that's good about jazzy big band swing, with all the spirit of Two-Tone Ska. A blend of instumental and vocal tracks in every tempo, I think the real standouts are "Wrong Side of the Tracks," "Swing Right Rudie," and "I Won't Go." Those songs make me feel like a real two-tone girl ready to take over the dance floor with my pinstripe fedora on.



The horn sections are really tight. I wish these guys had more material out there; they're just another example of fabulous rude music off the Moon Ska label. "Wrong Side of the Tracks" should be a favorite for any read rudie."

People think jazz is dead.

Sean Reynolds | Oakland, California | 11/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm angry that everyone thinks jazz is something for the suit and tie crowd. Jazz is America. Jazz is everything, man. Sure I feel out of place heading out to the local jazz bar being my scruffy self. I clean up a bit, with a collar and stuff, but people get the vibe that that's who jazz is for.

It's not. Jazz is for people who like to hear things that feel right. That's what Los Hooligans is. It's jazz, building from a ska framework because that's what jazz does. It takes a style, ska, cuban, jazz, traditional african, and from that creates itself anew. If you're looking to get into jazz, this would be a good starter. If you're looking to get more into jazz as a ska fan, the same. If you're a jazz fan who thinks ska is crap, give this a listen, they'll surprise you with the tightness and inflections. If you just want to hear why music moves people, definitely get this. There may not be crazy big freeform solos that declare virtuosity, but there's a tightness that makes you think "I'd love to be in a combo with these guys.""