Jitterbug Vipers On ‘Song Travels’

By NPR Staff  |  NPR

Jitterbug Vipers.
Jitterbug Vipers. Courtesy of the artist

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Jitterbug Vipers’ members perform 1930s-style “viper jazz” with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. The Austin band’s original music — crafted by singer Sarah Sharp, guitarist Slim Richey, bassist Francie Meaux Jeaux and drummer Masumi Jones — recalls swing classics by Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway.

On this installment of Song Travels, you can hear Jitterbug Vipers perform a set live in the studio. Host Michael Feinstein also sits down with Sharp to discuss the history of viper jazz and the inspiration behind the band’s sizzling original music.

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