"The retro-swing unit Indigo Swing were formed in San Francisco around the sextet of vocalist Johnny Boyd, guitarist Josh Workman, bassist Vance Ehlers, drummer 'Big Jim' Overton, pianist William Beatty and saxophone player Baron Shul. After kick-starting northern California's new school of swing, the group began touring around America and signed to Time Bomb Recordings in 1997. The group's debut All Aboard was released in July 1998. They followed with Red Light in 1999."
~ John Bush, All Music Guide
________________________________________________
During the height of their success, Indigo Swing was touring and performing 250-300 days per year, cementing their status as certified "road dogs". They performed all around the world as headliners and as opener for The Brian Setzer Orchestra's sold-out U.K. and U.S. tours. In 1997, former Arista Records exec. and manager of pop group No Doubt, Jim Guerinot, signed Indigo Swing to his label, Time Bomb Recordings. After two records on the label and many tours later, front-man and founding member Johnny Boyd decided to take a break and left to pursue other interests. The remaining band members decided to continue on with a new vocalist, Nicole Vigil , and although no more recordings were made, the group toured for another couple of years before disbanding for good in late 2001.
In the years since Indigo Swing called it quits, former members including guitarist Josh Workman , pianist William Beatty and Boyd have gone on to perform and record with their own projects. Sadly, in 2001 the group (and the San Francisco music scene in general) lost a good friend and talented musician in drummer "Big Jim" Overton, who passed away due to heart failure. Upright bassist Vance Ehlers and saxophonist Baron Shul both continue to perform in the Bay Area with various blues and roots-based bands.
Indigo Swing to this day gains new fans from all parts of the globe. Wherever there is a swing event, dance party, or jump-blues being played, Indigo Swing's familiar sounds are usually there - they continue to be a staple in music collections everywhere.
