Jazz Articles about Da Big Kahuna

Da Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack: Hawaiian Swing

by Jim Santella
September 1, 1999

Matt Catingub sings with a swing spirit that propels dancers to the floor and away from their small cocktail tables and comfortable seats. There’s nothing comfortable about his big band’s approach to rhythm; it rocks ‘em and socks ‘em with a punch. And that’s the problem. Catingub’s album is designed to attract joyous swing dancers to the physical side of the room, while the listening audience is pretty much left with brief three-minute melodies and nothing more. Where’s the beef? ...