Marshall Ford Swing Band

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Cactus Café
Austin, Texas


What do you get when you mix the jazzy-tunes of Ella Fitzgerald, the smooth-delta blues style of Robert Johnson, and the western swing-vibe of Tex Williams? You get the one and only Marshal Ford Swing Band. The legendary Cactus Café had the honor of having these Texas natives take center stage and perform to an intimate crowd on a quiet Friday night. Surprisingly for the audience, the night was anything but quiet. The musical quintet kicked off the night with jump-and-jive, heavy piano-playing numbers giving the crowd something to tap their feet and bop their heads to. Songs like “Set the Word on Fire” and “Snapping and Counting” got the crowd jumping and bouncing, almost as far as being able to spot one guy amongst the crowd almost shaking and knocking his head like it was about to come off.

Along with the hard-stomping beats, came a few heart-clenching ballads making one feel like going on mama’s back porch and singing ‘till the dogs cry. Songs like “Always Late with Your Kisses” and “Going Down South” even further proved the outstanding vocal and instrumental abilities Marshall Ford have the capacity to exude. Emily Gimble, on vocals and piano, captured the essence of Etta James in her voice and sounded like a sultry, soft-voiced angel who had been plucked from underneath the gods of music heaven. Credit also goes to guitar/vocalist, Greg Harkins, whose country/blues-infused crooning most certainly made every girl in the room swoon, including me. With strong vocals, also came the steady, fierce beats of drummer, James Gwyn, and the heavy, vigorous bass-playing of Kris Wade.

The chemistry between the Marshall Ford troubadours was undeniable. The back-and-forth banter and fun, playful conversation between band mates gave the audience another reason to stick around. They made everyone feel like family, like a big family dancing to some good-old fashion rhythms. Next time these hip, cool, smooth-talking swingers happen to be around your neighborhood, bring your dancing shoes, your feet will be begging for them.

by Bianetth Valdez