APRIL 9, 2009 ISSUE
They Think You Should Dance
Christabel & The Jons Swing Into Boone Saloon April 15
Wielding the power of sultry swing, Knoxville-based quartet Christabel & The Jons will return to Boone Saloon on Wednesday, April 15. The band’s sound combines elements of gypsy jazz, country blues, honky tonk and mountain folk. “I’m ready for summer, I’m ready for sun
It seems like this winter was awfully long.”
While the band’s new record Custom Made For You was released on December 12, 2008, the telling line from Christabel & The Jons’ song “Nothing Is Wrong” certainly seems applicable to the High Country. The Knoxville, Tenn.-based band’s brand of stripped-down, vintage jazz is nearly as breezy as the summer days lead singer Christa DeCicco longs for in the song.
On Wednesday, April 15, Christabel & The Jons will return to the High Country for a show at Boone Saloon. The show will start at 10:30 p.m.
Formed in spring 2005, Christabel & The Jons’ sound is highlighted by playful swing rhythms, snappy fiddle and horn solos and DeCicco’s smoky vocals. The band’s inviting music is equally suited to an outdoor concert on warm Southern evenings and dimly lit speakeasies.
Incorporating elements of gypsy jazz, country blues, honky tonk and mountain folk, the band’s effortless and sweetly melodic sound sounds better with each song.
Clad in dressy vintage costumes from jazz’s golden era, Christabel & The Jons have been steadily building a following both regionally and nationally. In addition to headlining many shows and performing at numerous festivals including Bonnaroo, Riverbend Festival, Shakori Hills Grass Roots Festival, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, and Sundown in the City, Christabel and the Jons have opened for many national acts including Brazilian Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, The Red Stick Ramblers, and Loudon Wainwright III.
A native of Knoxville, DeCicco and her bandmates initially performed in a style more likened to bluegrass than blues. While her early influences had traces of jazz, the sounds of Appalachia figured more prominently in her musical ambitions until a group of dancers sprang into action at one of their shows. According to DeCicco, the band was dumbfounded and thrilled at the same time.
“They danced around to a bunch of our tunes. It had never crossed our minds that anyone would dance to our music,” said DeCicco.
Soon after, the band boned up on the classics, adding several jazz standards to their repertoire, thus beginning a musical transformation into a dance band. Before long, self-taught guitarist, banjo player and accordionist DeCicco spent time with a fellow picker, Miss Tess, who helped her learn several jazz chords. The lessons let forth a wealth of new material.
“It just kind of opened up my whole world and let me write a bunch of new tunes,” said DeCicco.
Even more helpful to DeCicco’s growing fondness for jazz and dance rhythms was drummer Jon Whitlock’s ability to keep those dancers swinging. A long time member of the band, DeCicco cited his rhythmic sensibilities as the foundation for The Jons’ sound.
“That really sets the tone for everything else,” said DeCicco.
The other crucial component to the band is multi-instrumentalist Seth Hopper, who plays violin, mandolin, accordion and trumpet.
“I’ve got a really great band,” gushed DeCicco. “They make me sound better than I actually am.”
While she may be the band’s feminine lead singer, DeCicco insists she’s just one of the boys when it comes to being on the road, where all responsibilities are shared.
“I’m frequently seen carrying the bass drum in high heels and with my hair done up,” said DeCicco.
In addition to working as a horticulturist and gardener during her time away from the stage, DeCicco has also been brushing up on her dance moves by taking swing dance lessons. While she and her band mates are experts at enticing even the most stubborn wallflowers to cut a rug, DeCicco admitted to being a novice on the dance floor.
“When I’m on a break people grab me and try to dance with me,” said DeCicco. “I feel like I should know how. It looks like so much fun.”
Regardless of her ability to wow audiences with her moves, DeCicco, Hopper and Whitlock don’t appear to be having any trouble when it comes to pleasing their growing audiences who remain hungry for their sultry sound.
To hear the band’s music, click to www.myspace.com/christabelmusic.
Want To Go?
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Boone Saloon
Cost: $6
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
