The Zen Hussies

The Zen Hussies have dutifully administered original swingska, stomp and boogie at clubs, pubs, festivals and speakeasys since 2001. The horn heavy, infective rhythm of the Zen Hussies will have even the most troubled of feet flailing in the aisles and singing along to their uniquely catchy brand of song and dance. Journey with us on all sides of the 'jazz' meridian as Jonah Flatfoot, Count Sebski Velo, Lady Cha Cha, Jack "The Hammer" McPherson and the rest of them dirty boppers that are part of the legendary Zen Hussies dispatches do their utmost to bring all you bongo beatin' beatniks kicking and screaming into the 23rd century!DISCOGRAPHYFIVE GUYS MAIM NOTES EP (2002)FLATFOOT SHARPSUIT LP (2004)CONTINENTAL ADAPTOR LP (2008)TROUBLED FEET LP (Due Autumn 2010)MEDIA QUOTES / REVIEWS'The latest loaded long player from the hussies entitled 'Continental Adaptor' has all the trappings of a mini wax cylinder classic. Opening with the splendid swank ridden 'Kecker Rocker' and sounding like somebody tearing down bunting with their teeth, this latest offering just like their live performance, is a captivating cavorting beast caked in opulent moreish magnificence.'Dan Heatley, Mofo 2008'Hailing from Bristol (in the UK) The Zen Hussies second long player ("Continental Adaptor") is a free-for-all, no-holds-barred, get-your-lazy-ass-up-outta-that-seat-and-dance mixture of vintage jazz, swing and not-so-big band.
Some of the things that make this recording work are obvious: they're great musicians and snappy dressers (both requirements for their chosen style(s)). But lots of bands can claim those two merits.
There are a couple of things that make The Zen Hussies stand out:
They're daring. To keep "Continental Adaptor" from sounding like (yet) another tribute to a bygone era the band is wise enough to mix a goodly number of sounds into this album's eight tunes. You can easily pick out the swing/jazz/elements but you'll run across circus waltzes ("The Whiplash Waltz"), croonerific Sinatra-esque balladry ("Honey Bee Suite") and damned if that doesn't sound like SKA ("My Kinda Lady"). There's a lot to hang your head on here and repeated listens are paid off handsomely. This isn't a retro group where when you've heard one song you've heard 'em all. (Think more Squirrel Nut Zippers, less Cherry Poppin Daddies).
But the real key for this set is that The Zen Hussies have managed to capture the energy of a live performance. This is hard to do on a recording but is *essential* for a group that's focused on getting people to shake their money makers. I'm not saying that the group isn't even more visceral live, I'm just saying that you can hear what makes their live sets a hoot on these recordings. And without that there's no point putting songs to wax (and yes, this recording is available on LP!).
To sum up:
"Continental Adaptor" is a blast and should be the soundtrack to your next dance party.'Sepiachord 2008
'Born showmen with one eye on the absurd, The [Zen] Hussies play songs that lodge in the head like well aimed bullets, creating a sea of beaming revellers on a dancefloor bursting at the seams.' Venue Magazine, 2005'Film Noir & Ska collide with a distinctive blue tone to the two tone.the Hussies transported me to a more fearless era.I almost breathed down a strangers' neck.'Decode Magazine 2005'A Brylcreem sculpted anachronism, cymbals puffing and horns huffing like a runaway steam train' Kyrsten Grayewski, 2008.
'Boundary-Decimating.skanktastic combo who leave no danceflooor unshaken, imagine The Specials at their peak whilst wearing the broadest of grins' Buena Vista Social Club Presents, 2007
'The sonic definition of happiness' Rachel Wild, Festival Eye 2008.