Thursday, April 17, 2008
Who knew that an unexpected pregnancy, the Hindenburg and badminton could be so enjoyable? Well, when The Two Man Gentlemen Band sings about these topics, somehow, they are just that. The vaudevillian act is coming to The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., on April 26. The band promises plenty of sing-alongs about alcohol and free kazoos for everyone. Banjoist and lead kazoo player Andy Bean talks to Jayplay about the Gentlemens’s music.
The Two Man Gentlemen band, from left: Fuller Condon and Andy Bean.
What distinguishes you from other musical acts coming through Lawrence?
Well, we are America’s only impeccably dressed, two-man, kazoo, four-string banjo, stand-up bass, early jazz, vaudevillian band.
Why such an emphasis on “impeccably dressed?”
If you dress up for someone, you’re telling them that they are important enough to dress up for. We first started wearing well-tailored suits just when we were performing. Now, we’ve been doing it long enough that these are the only clothes we own.
Why such an emphasis on the kazoo?
The nice thing about the kazoo is that it has the smallest learning curve of all instruments. We give kazoos out at all our shows. We know that 95 percent of those people will make music. The other 5 percent shouldn’t be making music.
You provide a gentleman’s guide on your Web site, www.two-man-gentlemen-band.com. Why have you taken it upon yourselves to blog about etiquette?
Sometimes we experience scoundrels out on the road. It’s a way to provide basic instructions without being preachy. However, we are the first to admit that we do not always adhere to them. We do become a little bit roguish in the night.
Did you take a new direction on your newest album, Heavy Petting?
It’s more of a party album. We recorded it all live so that it would reflect our live show and the old vaudevillian spirit.
Why do you sing about topics of yesteryear, such as the Titanic, the Hindenburg and Stonewall Jackson’s amputated arm?
Many old topics are deserving of song, and a lot of them never received the musical tribute they deserved. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide that.
Do your songs ever have relevance to modern events?
Sometimes we find a connection. Like in “William Howard Taft,” we make fun of the old president. I think that topic carries over to modern day.
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