The Squirrel Nut Zippers conjure a musical past into a new living sound, mixing in a healthy dose of artistic invention with various strains of American music. The result is infectious.

"Hell", from the their Platinum album, "Hot", was an unexpected MTV success. That same year they were invited to play the Inaugrial Balland and the Olympics. With all that one could easily understand how fame might affect them. But once you meet band leader Jimbo Mathus and his wife, Katharine Whalen, with her sultry Billie Holiday style, you will discover why their concerts are populated by both young and old. Jimbo, a native of Mississippi, played professionally with his family.

As newlyweds he and Katharine settled in their farmhouse on the outskirts of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Katharine was deeply fascinated with jazz when she and Jimbo married, but he had no idea she couldsing. Since so many of their friends brought their instruments to the couple's frequent dinner parties, it would follow that on one of those warm, moon-filled nights, the music being played on the front porch and Katharine's desire to sing combined, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers were born