The Band
Abigail (Abi) Lenz-lead singer
Micheal-Todd (Todd) Bishop-lead guitar
Dave Bell-bass guitar
Gaston (Gus) Hinostroza-keyboards/vocals
Sean Paxton-drummer
Then the guys and girls behind the band making sure that
the Swamp train keeps on a rollin' and the hardcore Swampers that I know
Uncle Tom,Brooks,Cris,Kevin,Lisa B,Krissy,Dena,Tiffany B(and all the group at Sound Management)Joe,Los,Kaz,Glenda,Kimmy,Gretchen,Fred,Deb and Dennis.
all the girlfriends,boyfriends,parents,wives,husbands and so on of everyone
of these amazing people.If I forgot someone I would like to echo the sentiments that Abi said at the end of the thank you list in the "Ill Gotten Booty" CD."It's a mistake of the mind and not the heart".
Alright,I am just going to give you a little info on the group.If you want more you can visit the official Swamp Boogie Queen page at www.sbq.com
The group is based out of Los Angeles California.They have been together for around seven years.It started in a Blues bar in L.A were Micheal-Todd (Todd) Bishop heard Abigail (Abi) Lenz singing.He got her to start up with him and the rest is history.After playing drummer roulette last year (original drummer Mark Williamson then Sean Paxton and then Christian).They have came back with Sean Paxton.After ruling the L.A. club scene for years they finally got the break they had been working so hard for when they were heard by the amazing producer Phil Ramone.They later signed with a new label called N2K Encoded Music.They released the debut album "Ill Gotten Booty" in early 1998.They hit the road right after.SBQ toured the country and had major radio play all over.They also appeared in numerous magazines such as Maximum Guitar,Playboy,Hightimes etc...They also opened with groups like Lynyrd Skynyrd,BTO,Kenny Wayne Shepperd etc...and they were on an episode of Melrose Place.All this has left them with a major fan base spread all over the country.A group of loyal hardcore swampers!But then N2K Encoded Music dropped the Rock division.Which left SBQ without a label.Well,bad luck for N2K.Because SBQ is on their way!
Now I should probably try and describe the music,the album,the live shows and the group.It is all amazing.It is not possible to give a full and accurate description in words.You should see and hear it all for yourself.But I will try.Although I hate to try and label anything to do with SBQ because it is not fair to the group.Because they deserve a catagory all to themselves.I will try to give you a better understanding of what they are.The music sounds in the mold of Skynyrd,Joplin,Black Crowes etc...With the guitar rockin constantly,and the keyboards slamming you get the feel of that ol bluesy,swampy,southern style rock.You cant help but tap your feet or shake your head when the guys get to playin'.Complete mastery of every instrument.The likes of which is not to be found in any other band you will ever see.Apart these guys would stand head and shoulders above the rest of their bandmates.But together in the Swamp it is just a magical blend.Todd strumming on that guitar in a way that would make you thinks what blessed those hands.Dave thumping that bass like it was an extension of his soul.Gus stroking those keys like so many fine women stretched out at his finger tips.Sean beating on those drums so well and with so much power you would think they took his last beer.Now ,the singing is something else,when you first hear Abi sing you will swear she is the next Janis.But the more you hear her the more you will find yourself at a loss for comparison.Because her voice is beyond compare.I mean take the power of Janis,the energy of Tina Turner,the serenity of Grace Slick,the feeling of Etta James,Aretha orMahalia ,then toss in Joan Jett,Lita Ford and a stage presence and sensuality that has never been seen and you would be getting close to Abi.See what I mean by beyond compare!The album,"Ill Gotten Booty",is great with foot stomping songs like "Keep On" to soul searching blues songs like "I Need Your Love".Buy it and you will never stop listening to it!You will find people constantly wanting to borrow it.You will see yourself smacking at peoples hands when they reach for the CD player.Now the live shows are just simply awe inspiring.That is the place to see the Swamp in all its glory.Swampers everywhere and SBQ jamming like it was their last show everytime.The energy at a SBQ live show is unsurpassed by any other show.The positive feel you get from the band is great.The stage presence and sound is top notch.They make you feel like they are happy to have you and they are going to make sure you get your money worth out of the show.You always do!Then there are the songs that are not on the album.They are amazing like "Wasted","Rose Marie","99 and a half","Loctite","Hoodoo Rain","What I need","Helter Skelter","Fishing Song","Satisfied",and "King Flea"etc...Then there is the new stuff,which is totally amazing,"Blue Moon","Memphis" and "Cool Water"etc...I have yet to hear a song that was anything less than spectacular.Although I would love to hear Swamp cover Guns N Roses "Night Train".:)They are also a great group of people.They make you feel like you are an old friend and they always have a kind word.I can't describe how great they are.You will just have to meet them for yourself.Now for two guys that always make sure that every show goes off so smooth.Uncle Tom and Brooks,the men,the myths,the parties.Two great fellas.They keep everything up and running for the band and make sure that every show sounds great.Oh yes and with amazing stories as well:)Oh yes and who can forget a great big much love and support from Lisa B and Krissy!Who just by being around are inspiration enough but they also get stuff done.Not to mention are just like the rest who are great to be around.But they are also very lovely young ladies.I just want to say that all of the Swamp has opened up thier hearts to me and I them.I am proud to call them all friends.I have much love for them all.Get in on it.The Swamp is an amazing place.Thank you Swamp Boogie Queen for everything.All in all,I dont think you could ask for anything more than what you get from "Swamp Boogie Queen".