New Release: A Texas Sized Band from the Joymakers

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New Release:  A Texas Sized Band from the Joymakers
Label:  Turtle Bay Records
Release Date:  April 24, 2026
Website:  www.facebook.com/colin.hancock2101

Based in Austin, Texas, the Joymakers revive stomping ragtime jazz, which emerged in speakeasies through the 1920's and early '30s.  Rejuvenating the hot jazz of vaudeville shows, Broadway's tinpan alley days, and the nostalgic dancehalls of Storyville in New Orleans, the 10-piece ensemble delivers Prohibition Era jazz with a modern tilt on their sophomore release A Texas Sized Band.  Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Colin Hancock, the tracks are vintage standards, arranged by Hancock and saxophonist/vocalist Lauryn Gould.  The tunes are overwhelmingly sunny and jubilant anchored by strutting rhythms, horns that blare and pop, keys that rattle and sizzle, and Westen Borghesi's banjo that quivers and flares.  The clip-clopping beats of "The Pay Off" induce a party atmosphere, turning to a trundling ripple along "Bye Bye Baby."  The Charleston style kicks of "Lots of Mama" exude a vaudeville charm, and the flapper-fashioned trot of "Somebody Stole My Gal" echoes a tinpan alley lyricism.  The sashaying stride of "Dreaming 'Bout My Man" stirs up a swinging vibe, and the bouncy romp "Elephant's Wobble" demonstrates an interplay among the musicians that fodders a complementing jostle.  Integrating blues, jazz, swing, and ragtime, the Joymakers play with enthusiasm and vigor, nimbly moving through the repertoire with ease and precision.



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