Royal Crown Revue

by Jason AnkenyRetro-swingers the Royal Crown Revue comprised vocalist Eddie Nichols, guitarist James Achor, bassist Veikko Lepisto, tenor saxophonist Mando Dorame, baritone saxophonist Bill Ungerman, trumpeter Scott Steen and drummer Daniel Glass. Debuting in 1991 with the LP Kings of Gangster Bop, the group was almost the first to catch the wave of swing-era nostalgia that crested during the latter half of the decade; with 1995's Mugzy's Move, Royal Crown Revue made their major label debut, signing to Warner Brothers. 1997's live album Caught in the Act generated the cult hit "Barflies at the Beach." The following year's The Contender featured the single "Zip Gun Bop (Reloaded)." Walk On Fire, which appeared in 1999, featured the Revue's tightest presentation with vintage instruments including original "44" ribbon microphones. Tours of Japan and Australia were successful and the Royal Crown Revue celebrated by issuing the live effort Passport: Live In Australia in 2001.