Saturday: Delco Nightingale's record release show @ the El Bar
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
To be clear: Fishtown-based swingabilly band Delco Nightingale was not thinking of suburban PA when they adopted that name.
To be clear: Fishtown-based swingabilly band Delco Nightingale was not thinking of suburban PA when they adopted that name. There were no fond memories of visiting extended family in Primos or thereabouts involved.
By now vocalist Erin Berry is tired of explaining. But let’s make her do it anyway:
“I’m originally from Chicago,” says Berry, goofing on the stereotypical accent, drawing out the A until almost snaps. “Greg [Phoenix, her husband] is from Pittsburgh.” They were living and making music in New York, but it was driving Berry nuts. Phoenix’s day job made a move to Fishtown an easy upgrade. Casting about for a name that would telegraph their love of music from the ’40s they chose the name of a popular radio maker of the day. “It was either that or Philco…” Dodging one geo-bullet they ran into another.
Berry grew up listing to swing and had a fondness for the drama of musicals. Betty Hutton (“she was just goofy and belter — and I’m a belter”) was her number one fave, with Ella and Anita O’Day following close behind. “When Greg and I met I thought, ‘I want to do a band that plays this material, but brings it to new listeners. The rockabilly line-up might make it more accessible to a more rockin’ crowd.’”
The theory seems to have worked. Delco’s latest CD Swingin’ the King (Slow ‘n’ Sober Music) a collection of Elvis tunes was inspired by promoter Dave Quick’s enthusiasm for the band. “He was so sweet! He hired us, doing Hoagy Carmichael and Gershwin songs, for his Heavy Rebel Weekender!” He also gave them a slot at Elvisfest, which meant adding a few of those songs to their repertoire. Last spring Delco’s dog house bass player, Brendan Skwire, was making noises about leaving the area. While all the material was polished the group went into the studio and laid down tracks to make training a replacement easier. Apparently they were on fire that day, 26 tracks, live, no overdubs or other enhancements in six hours. “Twenty were keepers!” says Berry. Skwire changed his mind and stuck with us and the band and will play ’em just like on the record this Saturday night at the El Bar.
Delco Nightingale plays Sat., March 15, 8 p.m., $5, The El Bar, 1356 N. Front St., 215-634-6430, The El Bar.
