Squirrel Nut Zippers
Overview
[edit]The Squirrel Nut Zippers are an American jazz band formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Often associated with the 1990s swing revival, the group’s sound is a "hot jazz" fusion of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, swing, and klezmer. They reached mainstream success in the mid-1990s, most notably with their 1996 RIAA Platinum-certified album Hot and the hit single "Hell."
The band's name is derived from a 1920s-era chewy molasses-and-peanut candy called "Squirrel Nut Zippers," manufactured by the Squirrel Brand company.
History
[edit]Formation and Early Years (1993–1995)
[edit]The band was founded by James "Jimbo" Mathus (vocals, guitar) and Katharine Whalen (vocals, banjo), along with Tom Maxwell, Ken Mosher, Don Raleigh, and Chris Phillips. Their debut album, The Inevitable (1995), established their vintage aesthetic and drew critical praise for its authentic, non-ironic approach to early 20th-century American music.
Mainstream Success: Hot (1996–1998)
[edit]The group’s second album, Hot, became a surprise commercial hit during the "swing revival" craze of the mid-to-late 90s. The single "Hell"—a calypso-influenced track about the afterlife—received heavy rotation on MTV and alternative radio.
- Key Achievement: The band performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and at President Bill Clinton's second inaugural ball in 1997.
Hiatus and Re-formation (2000–Present)
[edit]Following the release of Bedlam Ballroom (2000), the band entered a period of hiatus as members pursued solo projects. Mathus and Whalen, who were married, divorced during this period. The band reunited for several tours starting in 2007 and released their first studio album in 18 years, Beasts of Burgundy, in 2018.
Musical Style and Influence
[edit]The Squirrel Nut Zippers are frequently categorized as "Swing Revival," but the band has often resisted the label, citing a broader interest in "hot" music from the 1920s and 30s. Their instrumentation is distinct for its use of:
- Brass: Trumpets, trombones, and saxophones providing high-energy riffs.
- Strings: Traditional guitar, upright bass, and Whalen’s signature banjo.
- Vocals: Often featuring a "call and response" style or Whalen's Billie Holiday-esque delivery.
Discography
[edit]| Year | Album Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | The Inevitable | Mammoth Records |
| 1996 | Hot | Mammoth Records |
| 1997 | Sold Out | Mammoth Records |
| 1998 | Perennial Favorites | Mammoth Records |
| 2000 | Bedlam Ballroom | Mammoth Records |
| 2018 | Beasts of Burgundy | Southern_Oaks |
| 2020 | Lost at Sea | Southern_Oaks |
Band Members
[edit]While the lineup has rotated significantly over three decades, core and notable members have included:
- Jimbo Mathus: Vocals, Guitar (Founding member)
- Katharine Whalen: Vocals, Banjo (Founding member)
- Chris Phillips: Drums, Percussion (Founding member)
- Tom Maxwell: Vocals, Guitar, Saxophone
- Je Widenhouse: Trumpet