The O-Tones

Bio:

The O-Tones is a hot Swing, R&B, and Motown band from Western Massachusetts. With three singers as the core of the band, The O-Tones will melt your hearts with their powerful three-part harmonies. Whether they're singing their rendition of a 1940's swing tune, or belting out a more contemporary R&B number, Ann Percival, Zack Danziger, and Mary Witt make each song they sing a hit. In addition to blending their tones as harmony singers, they are each extremely compelling solo singers. From sentimental ballads to upbeat soul and blues, they will charm you and make you want to jump and jive on the dance floor. Ann, Mary, and Zack also form part of the driving rhythm section of The O-Tones, lending their talents on rhythm guitar, bass, and lead guitar respectively. Walt Chapman, king of Boogie Woogie piano style and organ riffs, rocks the group along. Along with Pieter Struyk on the drums, the pulse of this band is fiery for dancing or listening.

The horn section of The O-Tones adds pizazz to their mixed repertoire. On the classic soul numbers like Mustang Sally, audiences jump to their feet once they feel the horns jump start the tune. Ike Turner's Fool in Love lends itself well to the drive of the winds and brass. Having the horn harmonies add their flavor to the old favorites Makin' Whoopie and Almost Like Being in Love reminds us all of the big band era from days gone by. Kerry Blount's tenor sax playing adds heat to The O-Tones varied selection of music.

Reporter Christopher Boucher of the Greenfield, MA Recorder says... "This music's so fresh, it almost defies description. Almost. One could, perhaps, call it a revue heritage or a celebration of bebop, pop, and swing. Maybe just a very sharp, very danceable CD from band members who know good music when they hear it. In the midst of all these styles, one thing remains constant. The music always has backbone—a strong percussion part, a solid rhythm section, and a beat good enough to dance to. I expect there'll be a lot of swinging and swaying going on..."

"This music may celebrate the tunes of yesterday, but with its assertiveness and modest, skillful approach, it's definitely music for today—and hopefully for tomorrow, too."

The O-Tones' versatility in styles of music make them the perfect choice for any occasion. Those who enjoy dance tunes from the 50's and 60's, always delight in hearing familiar songs such as The Way You Do the Things You Do, Chain of Fools, Dancin' in the Streets, Midnight Hour, and Ain't Too Proud to Beg. And for people who miss nostalgic numbers from the 30's and 40's era, the band plays such tunes as Cheek to Cheek, World on a String, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Route 66, and Stars Fell on Alabama (originally sung as a duet by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong). Whether rockin' on a hot upbeat groove or lilting a sentimental vintage song, The O-Tones' sound and styling is something you won't want to miss.

Need a smaller band? Check out The Propellers, a subset of the O-Tones, that can play for your wedding, function, or dance. They play swing, jazz, R&B, and jumpin' boogie with vocal, sax, flute, keyboard, bass, and drums.

NEWS:

*** The O-Tones hit British TV! The TV programme "It's Me Or The Dog" will use our song "Spring Cleaning" (from our first CD, "Ain't That a Kick"). With 10 years dog training experience, Victoria Stilwell takes on some of the toughest, most disobedient dogs in the UK using her training techniques to create the perfect pooch. The series is made up of 12 episodes each focusing on a different dog. In this particular episode and scene, the owners are clearing up the mess that their two dogs have made. The show will be on British TV plus "Animal Planet" in the USA.

*** The O-Tones named best swing band in the valley (Pioneer Valley of MA) numerous times! Voted by listeners in the Valley Advocate's Grand Band Slam.

*** Two O-Tones' songs included on Oasis Jazz Samplers! Oasis Manufacturing pressed both CD's by The O-Tones. Every year they assemble and distribute compilation CD's in various genres. The O-Tones were included twice thus far on the jazz compilations: 2000 "Just Squeeze Me" from Aint That a Kick 2006 "Come Dance With Me" from "Dance With Me" by Mary Witt, including all members of The O-Tones .. ....

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Member Since:

March 10, 2007

Members:

Mary Witt, Ann Percival, Zack Danziger, Kerry Blount, Walt Chapman, Pieter Struyk

Influences:

Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall, The Temptations, Tierney Sutton, Al Green

Sounds Like:

Eight to the Bar, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Ron Sunshine, George Gee, Toni Lynn Washington, Marcia Ball, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Squirrel Nut Zippers

Record Label:

Blue Love Music