THE
MOONLIGHTERS
have been a part of the New York City jazz and pop music scenes
since they formed in 1998. Based around a core of harmonized
vocal duets backed by warm acoustic instruments including Hawaiian
lap steel guitar, ukulele, guitar and bass, they explore traditional
and classic tunes with a unique, romantic approach that is appealing
to listeners of all ages.
The band members include
Bliss Blood, vocalist and ukulele player; Cindy Ball, vocalist
and guitarist, and Rus Wimbish on bass; and Raphael McGregor
on steel guitar, with Al Street on guitar and Jim Fryer on horns.
They have released
four cds on their ONLIEST RECORDS label, "Dreamland"
in 2000, "Hello Heartstring" in 2002, and "Live
in Baden-Baden" in 2004, which features a performance recorded
for German National Radio during their May 2002 tour of Germany,
Switzerland, and Austria, "Surrender" in 2006, and
their newest release, "Enchanted" on Worldsound Records
in July 2009.
Their original songs
encompass many styles of 20th Century jazz and pop: ragtime,
swing, Hawaiian, country, blues, Latin, & jazz can be found
among their recordings. They list among their influences Duke
Ellington, Bessie Smith, the Boswell Sisters, Sol Hoopii, King
Bennie Nawahi, Annette Hanshaw, Al Bowlly, George and Ira Gershwin,
and many more illustrious entertainers from the golden age of
popular music, when tunes on the radio held appeal for every
member of the listening audience.
They have performed
weekly in the New York City area as well as at many private
and corporate parties and weddings, in addition to touring Germany
and Switzerland in 2002, 2006, 2007, and 2009, as a well as
playing two jazz cruises on the Queen Elizabeth II, in 2001
and 2002. Their romantic lyrics and lyrical musicianship make
them a favorite of lovers and jazz fans wherever they perform.