Swing Set album cover
I'm excited for Jazzy Ash's newest album Swing Set to reach the public's ears in a couple weeks, but in the meantime you can get a taste of the jazz-inspired set for your favorite preschooler right now in this world premiere video. It's for the well-known call-and-response song "Hambone" and features Washington, DC kindie artist Uncle Devin.
Jazzy Ash and Uncle Devin at Big Ego.
Now normally I'm not a huge fan of studio-based videos, but I really like how in this one the viewer can see how album tracks are really recorded. Instead of band members all facing in the same direction, no music stands to be found, this one feels real -- Devin with his lyrics written out on a piece of paper singing out the call while he's hand-clapping, Jazzy Ash (aka Ashli Christoval) closing her eyes trying to focus on her response, and in the back Sarah Reich, who sometimes performs with Postmodern Jukebox, stomping. (Anthony Shadduck is the bassist, similarly concentrating.) It's a learning experience, even if the video isn't necessarily meant to be.
Anyway, I really like the song. (That's always a big one for me.) And as for the track itself, Christoval notes that,
“The “Hambone” rhythm is based on the West African hand-clapping tradition called Juba, which was carried to the U.S. by slaves. The “Hambone” lyrics were added later, as a reflection of the early African-American experience. Because the song is passed on through oral tradition, there are many versions of the lyrics, some more “family friendly” than others. Almost all versions have a similar theme: A man has had a long, hard day. He’s reflecting on things he wish he had. Then, he sits down to a big meal and gobbles it right up!”
Swing Set is out July 21.
Jazzy Ash - "Hambone" feat. Uncle Devin [YouTube]
Photo credit: Brock Christoval
