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The Stolen Sweets

The Stolen Sweets formed in 2004 with the intention of reviving the songs of 1930s sister act, The Boswell Sisters. Comprised of vocalists Jen Bernard, Lara Michell and Erin Sutherland, guitarists Pete Krebs and David Langenes (both of whom sing) and double bass player Keith Brush, The Sweets' repertoire has expanded to include material from the 1920s -1940s. Their arrangements are still inspired by the Boswells' tight 3-part harmonies, frequent tempo changes and "knowing shrugs and raised eyebrows," as noted by the Oregonian's A&E.

Unlike the original Boswell arrangements that featured piano, clarinet, and horns, the Sweets incorporate gypsy jazz accompani- ment, reminiscent of Django Reinhardt.

The Boswell Sisters were popular harmony singers in the late 20s and early 30s, keeping company with the likes of the Dorsey Brothers, Bunny Berigan, Eddie Lang, and Benny Goodman -- partnerships that provided the jazz world with some of its most influential recordings.

The nature of the music was auspicious and good-humored, providing a ray of hope to listeners during a truly dispiriting economic depression.

The Sweets recently returned from their second jaunt to New Orleans where they shared the stage with their dear friends, The Pfister Sisters. In 2007, The Sweets were fortunate enough to headline the Boswell Sisters Centennial commemorating the birth of the most famous Boswell Sister, Connee, born in 1907. They hope to return to New Orleans every year to continue the celebration.

In March of 2008, the Sweets took their maiden voyage to Europe, performing their unique brand of vintage jazz in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Germany and Slovenia. A wonderful time was had by all, and they can't wait to return.

The Sweets stay busy playing club gigs, private events and festivals all over the northwest and beyond. They strive to keep these vintage tunes alive, transporting a wide array of listeners to the early days of jazz.

Gear

www.eastmanguitars.com http://www.redbeartrading.com/ http://www.aer-amps.info/


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113

Performance / Tour

The Blue Dolls vs. the Stolen Sweets at the Teatro Regio in Turin - Italy on 26th March 2008

The Blue Dolls vs. the Stolen Sweets at the Teatro Regio in Turin - Italy on 26th March 2008

Source: All About Jazz

The vocal trio Blue Dolls is composed by Erika Celesti, soprano, Federica Pallante, soprano and Viviana Dragani, contralto. The repertoire of The Blue Dolls ranges from the vocal arrangements of '40s Trio Lescano and Quartetto Cetra style to the American ones Andrews Sisters style, to musical excerpts of '50s The Supremes style. As an example we mention some typical musical excerpts of their wide repertoire: Baciami piccina, Moon River, Silenzioso slow, Summertime, Un'ora sola ti vorrei, Shoo shoo baby, Maramao ...

127

Performance / Tour

Portland's the Stolen Sweets Invited to Headline Boswell Sisters Centennial Festival in New Orleans

Portland's the Stolen Sweets Invited to Headline Boswell Sisters Centennial Festival in New Orleans

Source: All About Jazz

Portland 1930s vocal jazz group, The Stolen Sweets, has been invited to headline at the first annual Boswell Sisters Centennial Celebration on November 30 and December 1 in the Boswells' hometown of New Orleans. The event will commemorate the birthday of the most famous Boswell Sister, Connee, who was born on December 3, 1907 in Kansas City, MO. The Boswell Sisters were popular radio stars in the 1930s, most famous for their acrobatic 3-part harmonies, tempo and key changes and ...

103

Performance / Tour

The Stolen Sweets take their brand of 1930s acoustic vocal jazz to California

The Stolen Sweets take their brand of 1930s acoustic vocal jazz to California

Source: All About Jazz

Now that they have achieved local acclaim, Portland’s swing darlings The Stolen Sweets are ready to take their renditions of vintage jazz tunes on the road. Contact: Jen Bernard [email protected] 503-231-1423 www.stolensweets.com October 18, 2005 – Portland, OR. The Stolen Sweets’ ability to transport audiences to the early days of jazz has earned them a very colorful fan base, from hipsters to golden-agers. The band has been performing the complex vocal jazz arrangements of the popular 1930s girl group, The ...

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Event

The Stolen Sweets bring old time jazz back to North Portland

The Stolen Sweets bring old time jazz back to North Portland

Source: All About Jazz

The Stolen Sweets will be hosting two performances in the month of June in North Portland, a part of the city that once boasted an exuberant live jazz scene and numerous significant musical collaborations. Most Portlanders are unaware of the jazz playground that once existed in the part of town that is currently occupied by I-5, the Rose Garden and Memorial Coliseum. For years, Portland, Oregon provided a respite for jazz musicians touring from Seattle to Los Angeles. The bars ...

A true Portland favorite, The Stolen Sweets ooze with succulent female three-part harmonies drawing from the Boswell Sisters and crisp and saucy 1920's and 1930's jazz. Featuring notable local musicians Pete Krebs, Jen Bernard and Lara Michell, their charming, dainty approach bubbles up with a frisky, flirtatious and almost rebellious nature. Flashing a coy smile and a mischevious wink, Shuffle Off To Buffalo leaves fans tickled pink, caught between blushing and retreating versus hooting and hollering for encores. -- CD Baby

The high-energy shows of the Stolen Sweets feature seamless harmonies, top-notch players and infectious dance songs from yesteryear. See why people of all ages are flocking to see them light up a room with their vintage sound! -- Oregon Art Beat, OPB

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