The Hotel Child

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Among the swing revivalists--from the Squirrel Nut Zippers to Royal Crown Revue and Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers--no musician can chart his or her pedigree back the way singer Ingrid Lucia and bassist Todd Londagin can. As kids, the story goes, the pair were members of the Flying Neutrinos Family band, living in hotels, playing swing on rafts, and, likely, storing key data for their own Flying Neutrinos. The Hotel Child is the third effort by Lucia, Londagin, guitarist Matt Munisteri, bassist Matt Weiner, and a handful of assorted horns, drums, and accordion. Their music bumps with a sprightly step, buoyed by Lucia's early-Billie Holiday tinged voice and the band's languid looseness. Their brand of swing isn't hyped up with bombastic horn charts or even slicked up like the Zippers. It's much more relaxed, laid-back like so much music from their one-time home, New Orleans. It's got the sway of a humid afternoon woven through the lyrics, calling out for dancers in a way that's almost completely low-key. The swing's not particularly speedy or complex, but it's heartfelt and, with Lucia's voice, altogether magnetic. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

Mr. Zoot Suit
Violent Love
Cry
Some Of These Days
Love Is Coming Back
Lonely Side
Baby's Making Duck
Someday You'll Be Sorry
Promise
I Believe In Miracles
Johnny
After Hours

Amazon.com

Among the swing revivalists--from the Squirrel Nut Zippers to Royal Crown Revue and Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers--no musician can chart his or her pedigree back the way singer Ingrid Lucia and bassist Todd Londagin can. As kids, the story goes, the pair were members of the Flying Neutrinos Family band, living in hotels, playing swing on rafts, and, likely, storing key data for their own Flying Neutrinos. The Hotel Child is the third effort by Lucia, Londagin, guitarist Matt Munisteri, bassist Matt Weiner, and a handful of assorted horns, drums, and accordion. Their music bumps with a sprightly step, buoyed by Lucia's early-Billie Holiday tinged voice and the band's languid looseness. Their brand of swing isn't hyped up with bombastic horn charts or even slicked up like the Zippers. It's much more relaxed, laid-back like so much music from their one-time home, New Orleans. It's got the sway of a humid afternoon woven through the lyrics, calling out for dancers in a way that's almost completely low-key. The swing's not particularly speedy or complex, but it's heartfelt and, with Lucia's voice, altogether magnetic. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Swing baby.......2007-07-09

This is a good album despite the somewhat repetitious nature of the cuts and that soumd - a constant nasal that works for a few songs but not for every single one. In fact, it is the unchanging vocal tone that contributes to the sense of "been there/done that." One big problem is a common one - nothing really comes up to the originality, drive and energy of the first selection, the near perfect "Mr Zoot Suit" made famous in wild dance scene in "Blast from the Past". I kept waiting for a brotherly (or sisterly) companion but that was it.

LIke other reviewers, I too liked "Live From New Orleans" better, mainly for the voice. Ingrid is perfect for these little numbers but let's get serious folks - this is not one with wide range or subtle nuance. This is the Catch-22...the more ballad-like the music, the worst it sounds (I note one exception below). We are not talking about a Jane Monheit, Tierney Sutton or Diana Krall. Ingrid's voice is acidic and yet perfect in several of these and unlike others, I thought the accompaniment was right on the money. It did not have that "studio" flavor (another reason I liked "New Orleans") that often reeks of excessive instrumentality. My favorites were the first ("Mr Zoot Suit"), last ("After Hours") and the middle ("Lonely Side") where the voice changed into something new and wonderful. Mr Grade: B-

Hotel Child.......2003-01-03

So smooth, it's like velvet! Ingrid Lucia's voice is so smooth and sexy. If you like Swing/Jazz this is a CD to get!

Can't Stop Tapping My Toe.......2002-02-17

A great recording by a great group. The first cut, "Mr. Zoot Suit" is an exciting retro-30's big-band tune with a surprising arrangement that will keep you playing it over and over. The retro style carries through much of the CD.

"Hotel Child" is different in style from their debut "I'd Rather Be in New Orleans," so don't expect more of the same.

A very pleasant surprise.......2000-12-04

I bought this after reading a review that sounded too good to be true...'a voice somewhere between Ella Fitzgerald and Lady Day'? I must admit I was skeptical but, since the first listen, this c.d. has been in constant rotation on my stereo.

What a disappointment!.......2000-08-16

To preface my comments, I think it should be known that I absolutely LOVED the "I'd Rather Be in New Orleans" CD and would still give it a 5 star review. HOWEVER, the new album is horrendous. Ingrid has none of the sultry nuance to her vocals, as a matter of fact she sounds outright nasally and clipped (more like valley girl hits the village than anything else) The band doesn't quite ring true either - the music of each track sounds embarassingly the same. Pick a genre guys swing or blues/jazz pick a sound nasal valley girl visits village and connecticut or sultry southern blues. And why oh why did they remake the New Orleans CD? the old edition is best. Something is very wrong in ole dixie land. Let's just hope the next Neutrino endeavor will be back on track.

Average customer rating:

Hotel Bethlehem

Manufacturer: Integrity Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000EN3528

Average customer rating:

I'm A Hustler

Manufacturer: J Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000A8NIAG

Product Description

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Cassidy (rap vocals); Mary J. Blige (vocals); Fabolous, Lil Wayne, Mario, Mashonda, Nas, Raekwon, Swizz Beatz, Quan (rap vocals). Producers: Swizz Beatz; Drop; Neo Da Matrix; Hot Runner; L.E.S. Fearless freestyler Cassidy opens his second release, I'M A HUSTLA, on a genius note, poking fun at himself while showing off his seemingly immeasurable skills. On the opening track, "The Problem vs. the Hustla," he sets up an MC battle between his two personalities: the relentless hustler who shot through the underground with mix-tape classics, and the polished, mainstream rapper who sold millions with his debut record SPLIT PERSONALITY. This cut, with its unique approach, super-quick wit, and underdog victory (the hustla wins), sets the tone for I'M A HUSTLA, a rawer record than the first, but one which retains much of its predecessor's luster. The title track, with its irregular flow, fiery lyrics peppered with hilarious one-liners, and ace Swizz Beats production is unforgettable. The rest of the set mixes in slick tracks on gangster life with disarmingly reflective cuts including "Can't Fade Me," where Cassidy matches rhymes with the legendary Nas, and "The Message" where he eases into a sad look at the world. Unfortunately, Cassidy's inner conflicts and street stories spilled into his real life (he spent the album's release behind bars on a murder charge). Given his immense talent, fans could only hope that Cassidy's troubles wouldn't prevent him from recording again soon

Music:

Music

Music