The Hot Toddies Jazz Band

By David Walters 

“Somewhere in the middle of nowhere is a speakeasy in the sky…

Here the band is swinging, the singer singing, the tapper tapping, and a burlesque dancer peeling away all the layers of the outside world.”

Debuting at number 11 on the jazz chart, with an 11 tune mix to both listen and dance to, The Hot Toddies bring their brand of jazz and swing to the world with their album release of The Hot Toddies Jazz Band.

To celebrate this, they had a release party last Wednesday at the club Somewhere Nowhere that was nothing but fun. Everything about it, the gorgeous space situated on the 38th floor with spectacular views, the design of the club, the drinks and nosh afforded by the kitchen and bar, but especially the crowd enjoying the musicians, who in turn were enjoying themselves to the enth degree in sharing their brand of jazz. A jazz of joy.

The band has a number of members that come and go depending on availability. They are led by group founders Patrick Soluri (drums) and Gabe Terracciano (violin/vocals). The band at large that continually morphs on Wednesday night consisted of vocalists Hannah Gill and Queen Esther, trombone/vocals Jake Handelman, clarinet/sax Linus Wyrsch, guitar/vocals Justin Pointer, bass Brandi Disterheft, and tap dancer Dewitt Fleming Jr.

The Hot Toddies play with a sinuous synchronicity that creates a sound that is from both yesterday and today. Simple in their tempo and tone, deep and complicated in overall musicality.

Photo credit: Nina Galicheva

Under the tree branches and mirror balls of the club Somewhere Nowhere, the floor was packed with dancers and ringed by a toe tapping swaying throng not only watching but feeling the beat and the sway of the music as it carried everyone along from one song to the next. It’s not a place where people come to talk with the band playing in the background. They come to hear the band, move to the music, and let a little bit of the world slip away. All of the pieces came together Wednesday evening for a very fun evening.

For all of you living in the land of where the Lindy Hop comes from (NYC), if you too would like to have a really fun evening, every Wednesday from 7:30 The Hot Toddies play at Somewhere Nowhere (112 W 25th St. (btwn 6th & 7th), NY 10001). Swing dance lessons are also part of the package and happen usually about 8:15PM given by Jaime.

—> listen to album PREVIEW
—> Order CD’s & Cassettes (Bandcamp)
—> streams on Spotify & Apple Music
—> digital downloads on Bandcamp

As always, this is just one person’s opinion in a world filled with them.