King Teddy was born in the autumn of 2000 - the band was fully formed in the mind of keyboard player and lead vocalist Mike Sottong long before anyone had picked up an instrument to play in it. The goal - to mine the brief period when swing was turning into early rock and roll. The band's originals combine the hard-swinging grooves of Louis Prima with the cool tenor of Sam Cooke and Paul McCartney for a distinctive and infectious sound that defies your feet to stay still.
"...strong with a sweetly retro feel. It had me bopping around the living room..." --Twist List / "They swing-- get the disc!" --Jitterbuzz / "...an amazing sound, King Teddy should pat itself on the back for its authenticity and originality." --mp3.washingtonpost.com / "In the land of swing, this Teddy would be King." --Montgomery County Gazette / "…righteous melodies and classic rhythms…" --Port Halcyon
Strings, vibes, crunchy guitar and a McCartney approach to the vocals turn a song the Inkspots could easily have done into a Beatles flavored pastiche of a prohibition-era ode to love. Appropriate for material invoking Christmas, New Year's or St. Valentine's Day. Male Vocal, Jazz Music, Lounge | Easy Listening Vocals
Ideal for a romantic comedy, this deceptively-titled track features tenor sax over a snappy rhythm section and a singer who professes his love in a wistful and unpredictable way. The tempo and stride swing is pure Louis Prima, and the lyric takes you back to a more innocent time. Male Vocal, Jazz Music, Smooth Jazz Vocals
Like the Vegas swing tunes of the 60's it emulates, this upbeat and classic-sounding track features a hard-swinging tenor sax, standup bass and stride piano. At once original and instantly familiar, this song is the hook on your line, be it a film soundtrack or tv theme. Male Vocal, Jazz Music, Smooth Jazz Vocals
Everyone knows someone who prefers to be miserable. This happily self-pitying swing song is a first-person tribute to those folks, complete with Spike Jones-styled stops, screaming sax solo and the raucus feel of a Louis Prima standard. Ideal for projects requiring a retro but original vibe. Male Vocal, Jazz Music, Smooth Jazz Vocals
What’s heartbreak without a little melodrama? This Seltzer-like swing number delivers: African-inspired drumbeats anchor a rolling piano and that distinctive, 50’s-style guitar picking. The sax hook is eerie and urgent. Your audience will notice this one. Credits, chases or sinister scenes. Male Vocal, Jazz Music, Smooth Jazz Vocals
A lindy-beat anthem for your individualist hero or heroine. The classic 50’s sound is in full swing here: thumping upright bass, slap-snare, striding keys and crisp backing vocals under a hot saxophone. It’s a cool, lyrically fun tribute to the late-gestation period of rock and roll. Male Vocal, RnB Music, Doo-Wop
