Our Records

SOB & the CZYKS

A SOULFUL JOURNEY

From Big Apple to Big Easy

Initially, we only wanted to kibitz a bit and watch/listen during a recording session in a studio. Of course it didn’t end there… So far our only resulted in:

1. our first LP (actually: our first double LP): A Soulful Journey (from Big Apple to Big Easy) by SOB & the CZYKS;

2. the need for more and consequently our record label Swingin’ Gate Records;

3. a vision that became clearer and clearer in the process: a vision on how we wanted to produce our first (and all following) LP, written down as our seven principles;

4. Know-how, experience and patience, because the actual recording session is just the beginning. All the rest takes much, much longer…

5. a monster in our listening room, because we needed a tape recorder to play back our master tapes. To make it short: the Studer A80 is at least as big as it is good or at least as good as it is big respectively.

6. this website, because you need a space to offer your goods if you want more than just produce records.

Of course we’re biased (and hopefully so!) if we’re telling you of the wonderful music and the marvelous sound quality for which we went to great lengths. Now, after we’ve recovered from the first round of applause by non-biased (but critical) ears, we can recommend you our first LP in good faith.

SOB & the CZYKS

A SOULFUL JOURNEY Vol. II

Can’t Stop Loving You on Route 66

“If some is good, then more is better” goes the old adage. And there’s something to it. A lot, in fact. When SOB & the CZYKS recorded their first live2 two track LP, the had a lot of fun. So much fun in fact that they recorded a lot more songs than planned.

For the record: The songs on Vol II are not the leftovers of the original double LP—quite contrary. They were either to good or to original for the original publication. And quite a few music lovers have told us that Vol II is even more rewarding than the first LP.

SOB & the CZYKS

B ‘n’ B

When The Boogie Gets The Blues

Imagine this: band and producer meet in the recording studio. The producer wants to record one, the bandleader only boogie. As a rule, that leads to discord rather than great music.

This album is the exception to that rule.

The title proves it: B ’n’ B stands for Boogie and Blues. In that order. Because while the blues may be the historical mother of boogie, on this album boogie came first (see above); chronologically, the blues only joined in a year later.

Now you’ll also understand why the subtitle could only be When the Boogie Gets the Blues.

“Trying to please everyone is an art no one can master.” And indeed: if you’re into contemporary chamber music or traditional folk music from Middle Franconia, then B ’n’ B may—uh—well not be quite to your taste.

But if you appreciate rolling boogie with a strong left hand and a swinging right, or grooving, blues-infused jazz—then B ’n’ B is made for you.

Because behind the captivating piano, an irresistible rhythm section really lets rip. And then there’s the singer: she always hits exactly the right note, whether she’s whispering, crooning, or belting it out. Above all, she sings the English lyrics with a very, very subtle but utterly charming Viennese accent, which brings the double-edged irony of many jazz songs fully to life.