Denver-based band The Spicy Pickles was originally formed in 2013 for the specific purpose of playing live music for swing dancers. Since then, the high-energy, personality-filled group of performing and session musicians has gained a reputation for their dedication to reviving the sound of ‘30s and ‘40s swing music. But on their recently released fifth album, On Schedule, The Spicy Pickles venture outside of the big band swing and early jump blues niche they’ve built. For On Schedule, they recruited pop, soul and jazz singer Hannah Rodriguez, whose vocals appear on nine of the ten tracks. Bandleader and trumpeter Joe Smith commissioned Rodriguez to write all seven original songs on the album, plus an arrangement for one of the three covers, in hopes of showing off The Spicy Pickles’ versatility while also easing them into a more contemporary sound.
On Schedule cover art (Spicy Pickles feat. Hannah Rodriguez)
While their new sound still isn’t exactly “modern,” it is a refreshing change of pace for the seven-piece band. Rather than emulating music of the ‘30s and ‘40s, The Spicy Pickles have time-hopped into the ‘70s, and ‘80s, with elements of funk, discopop, and soul throughout the album. Staying true to their tagline “a band that will make you move,” On Schedule is filled with boogie-inducing original tunes like “Love Game,” “Obvious” and “Good For You.”
Hannah Rodriguez
But even when covering pop songs from the 2000s, they bring a vintage, big band feel that makes each song their own, like their jazz-funk take on Paramore’s punk-pop classic “Still Into You.” Amy Winehouse’s famous cover of “Valerie” (originally by The Zutons!) is a natural choice for a band like The Spicy Pickles, and their slightly slowed-down version makes room for a sultry saxophone solo from Matt Burchard mid-song. But as they are borrowing from ‘70s sounds elsewhere on the album, James Brown’s 1972 funk staple “Pass The Peas” fits in nicely as the third cover with a Spicy twist. While Fred Wesley’s trombone dominates Brown’s iconic original, The Spicy Pickles’ homage allows several instrumentalists to shine during solo moments, including an unexpected flute feature from keyboardist Tom Amend. Triumphant bursts of brass harken back to The Spicy Pickles’ big band roots, but Rodriguez’s vocals bring the contemporary touch Smith was seeking. Now the only question that remains is, will The Spicy Pickles’ cult following of swing dancers follow them on this new trajectory?
On Schedule is out now on all music platforms.
