Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring In ‘Fat City’
Music Maker, 2026
9/10
Listen to Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring In ‘Fat City’
The ‘90s were great to North Carolina swing legends Squirrel Nut Zippers, and though they were inactive for well over a decade, lately frontman Jimbo Mathus has stayed busy with his new line up New Orleans all stars.
This album inspired by Mathu’s grandfather starts with the thumping drums and warm keys of “Dark Eyes” before the flowing brass and Mathus’ unmistakable voice enters, and it isn’t long until “Where The Wild Things Go” brings Jelly Drag’s raw voice to the cabaret mood that’s suited for late night lounge fun.
Further along, “Monday Night At The Mark” makes great use of Terrie Dikoff’s playful bass amid Dexter Sloan’s cautious keys, while “Town Where Nobody Lives” allows for Mathus’ powerful pipes to tug on the heartstrings via the intimate delivery.
Deep on the backside, “I Left My Heart In Reno” showcases dollyfuckingparton’s crisp drumming and Eddie Lehwald’s rich trombone alongside the smooth singing, and “Our Lady Of Sorrow” exits with a 40 second instrumental to cap off the three acts of jazz, swing and cabaret ideas.
If you’re like me and only heard of Squirrel Nut Zippers cause your were positioned near a radio in the ‘90s, you’re going to be impressed with this theatrical, old time meets gypsy jazz effort that swings and gets bluesy in all the best ways.
Travels well with: Dedicated Men Of Zion- Coming Up Through The Years; Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Street Party