SMALL CHANGE – ACOUSTIC SWING AND OTHER THINGS!

Never a dull moment with this band. “Acoustic Swing And Other Things”  There’s something about a band that can build a set mixing a classic swing tune like Route 66 with something  by Americana icon John Prine, followed up with a love song by Nat “King” Cole’s younger brother Freddie, an original swing blues by Al Canali then wrapped up in something tidy with an a cappella version of the 60s hit, Don and Juan’s What’s Your Name.

Western Swing, bluegrass, jazz, a cappella, Americana, blues, a healthy dose of original tunes and classics from the Great American Songbook. What sounds a lot like an eclectic music festival is just a normal set from Small Change. Though Small Change has been together for decades their choices are anything but predictable. And where most bands that specialize in specific genres flip to cruise control, this band takes the back roads to a long list of fun destinations.

Let’s start with the parts. Guitar, mandolin, acoustic steel guitar and wash tub bass. Add in four players that also sing and the dynamic expands. With this kind of lineup a band can dare to play anything. And they do! Do they look like a jug band? Here’s one from Jim Kweskin. But then, before one can notice the switch of guitars from flat top to arch top, they are playing Horace Silver. The classic bluegrass setup begs for some Seldom Scene. Got it. And out of nowhere Winnonie Harris, Louie Jordan, Bob Wills and maybe a blues by Ray Charles. In the midst of all this variety, presented with a little friendly engagement with the audience, are original tunes by Al Canali that somehow fit right into the mix.

Everyone in this band can sing and they do. Backup harmonies, scat, four part harmonies and a cappella.

The point being Small Change will find a way for everyone in the audience to smile at a tune they like. Small Change is anything but a cliche, but If you need one, this experience is “fun for everyone!”

Dennis Avery: acoustic steel guitar (Dobro), Dick Boehmer: Wash Tub Bass, Al Canali: Guitar, Karen Hogness: mandolin