CD Review: Jitterbug Vipers' 'Phoebe's Dream'

Jitterbug Vipers
Phoebe's Dream
Self-Release

The Texas-based Jitterbug Vipers are a group that revives the swing music of the 1930s and 40s. However, this is not your typical upbeat swing music. The group gets its name from viper music, which was sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, etc. According to the band's website, viper gets its name from the "sssssst sound made by a viper being onomatopoeic for the sound made by an inhaling pot-smoker." Whatever it is called, the music if relatively laid-back with a good degree of quirky. The lazy, "When You're High," meanders with heavenly vocals and a jaunty, crystal clear guitar in hand. "Viper Moon" opens with a slow guitar tune and smoky vocals that are sweet, delicate, and sensual. There is some additional instrumentation, but it is largely reserved for percussion. "Stuff It" picks up the pace with a more energetic tune and sassy vocals with an almost spoken word presence. "Phoebe's Dream" opens with relaxed vocals and a sauntering guitar melody that is rather quirky, but the song picks up momentum with a swishy percussion set and classic arrangements. The twelve tracks are rather addictive and a seldom-heard mixture of viper tunes inspired by American swing music of the 1930s and 40s. Kick back and check it out today. ~ Matthew Forss