Kristi Callan and I know each other through the indie pop music scene and Harry Nilsson fandom. I love close vocal harmonies and at the last Nilsson birthday tribute we got to talking and she told me she was part of a group called the Roswell Sisters. I thought they’d be great addition to our eclectic First Fridays Jazz Night.
Check out this résumé!
A captivating close-harmony group from Los Angeles, modeled loosely on the legendary jazzy New Orleans 30s band the Boswell Sisters, but bringing unexpected, eccentric, and occasionally even glam rock touches to that vintage vocal style. Group leader Justin Tanner has a special gift for arranging songs from the 20s and 30s straight through to originals by Roswells pianist Kristian Hoffman in classic “old tyme” tight, dense harmonies, dazzling in their complexity. Justin (tenor) is a noted Los Angeles playwright (“Zombie Attack,” “Pot Mom,” “Day Drinkers”) and a classically trained pianist. Lisa Jenio (alto), lead singer and songwriter for L.A. pop band Candypants, has also collaborated with the Negro Problem and Ronnie Spector. Kristi Callan uses her varied experience working with a wide range of artists from David Gray to Dave Davies to her own alt-country band, Dime Box and 80s girl group Wednesday Week, to inform her role as the emotive soprano in the group.
The Roswell Sisters are backed by Kristian Hoffman (Ann Magnuson, Prince Poppycock, Rufus Wainwright, Mumps, Klaus Nomi) on piano and Pierre Smith (El Vez, Ann Magnuson, New Marines, Human Hands) on guitar. The response to this young combo has been wildly enthusiastic, and audiences have been transfixed by the gorgeous harmonies the Roswells bring to classic 30s songs like “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and modern pop gems like the Mumps’ “Just Look, Don’t Touch.”
From their show-stopping version of “42nd Street” to their spectacular original “Imaginary Friend,” the group delivers a mesmerizing performance every time. The Roswells have played eclectic venues all over the greater Los Angeles area and are currently in the studio recording their debut.
And on 11/3 they’ll be with us!
JASON LUCKETT
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Quick South Central Coast | ||
| Saturday, 10/04/25 | San Luis Obispo, CA | Adobe Court behind the Palm Theater |
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Time: 2:00pm.
Admission: $20.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 964 Chorro Street.
Songwriters at Play presents a concert in San Luis Obispo featuring Jason Luckett, L.A.-based singer-songwriter. The show will be outdoors in the Adobe Courtyard, 964 Chorro Street (behind the Palm Theater). Special guest Bailey Drew will open at 2pm. Tickets are $20 general admission, available now at https://jasonluckettinslo.eventbrite.com Related post. Buy Tickets |
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| Sunday, 10/05/25 | Cambria, CA | Cambria Center for the Arts |
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Time: 2:00pm.
Admission: Reserved seats $25.00 CCA Members: $20.00.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 1350 Main St.
Venue phone: (805) 927-8190.
Come celebrate the music of Steve Earle on Sunday October 5 at Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre (CCAT)! Related post. |
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