
The Vipers: A Time to Swing
By Simon Sweetman
The Vipers have been treading the boards in the capital city for a decade; combining the spirit and tradition of great jazz standards with the dynamic
approach of modern cocktail-jazz stylings. Husband and wife team Josh and Adrienne Hindmarsh lead the way, with the legendary Roger Sellers (drums) laying down the backbeat. Adrienne’s voice is capable of a Norah Jones coo
as well as being sexy and sultry across bossa-nova tempos and faster swing tunes. Josh’s guitar is steeped in the history of Wes Montgomery and George Benson; more laidback than Grant Green but with glimpses of his impeccable tone. But The Vipers are not quite Tuck & Patti – and thankfully Sellers helps to propel the groove (along with Adrienne’s bass-rich approach to the Hammond B3 organ) meaning that even when this band covers Norah Jones it is with flair and enthusiasm. Duke Ellington’s Just Squeeze Me is a treat and
the great standards Sunny and Makin Whoopee are expertly recast. Recorded at Wellington’s Conservatorium of Music at the end of last year, Laidback groove-tunes, perfect mood music. www.thevipers.co.nz
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