Robert Bell Hot Swing Combo

Minneapolis, USA - These folks have lucky neighbours! Check out this stellar group of musicians who got together for a distanced concert; Songs For Socially Distant Happy Feet and Hearts - A Pandemic Recording.

From the submission by group leader Robert Bell:

The Robert Bell Hot Swing Combo was booked to provide music for a swing dance in Madison, WI on April 18, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible for the band to make the trip or the event to take place. Madison Invasion 2020 was officially cancelled... as an in person event.

In a gesture not soon forgotten, the organizers offered compensation to the band despite the event being unable to move forward as a traditional live swing dance event. It was determined that Madison Invasion 2020 could still go on as a virtual event. Dancers and listeners alike could join a livestream and be inspired, even if just for an evening. Multiple musicians performing simultaneously over the internet is no easy feat in early 2020; we opted to make a live recording instead and share it via livestream on the evening of the event. You're listening to a historic recording, a pandemic recording.

Every musician in the band maintained a 20ft or more distance while recording outside, nitrile gloves were used to setup and teardown. The physical distance made recording the five of us a challenge, but the entire world is facing far greater challenges. As musicians, while our ability to work has ceased, we feel our duty to provide song as part of a community has been honored. The musicians on this recording contributed SO MUCH energy and talent in the short couple of hours we had; no retakes, no overdubs, no arrangements and all without a second thought while observing distancing.

Robert Bell - guitar
Daniel Eikmeier - trumpet/cornet
Frederick Richardson - clarinet
Andrew Burns - bass
David Michael - drums

Recorded in NE Minneapolis, MN
Engineer: Robert Bell
Tech Support: Katie Bell
Photo and design: David Michael
Special Thanks: Madison Invasion 2020