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Hip Swayers / Press

“re the NPR “Tiny Desk Concert Series” contest...“Broke Down Lover,” by the Hip Swayers: These Worcester locals chime in with a classic country tune recorded in what looks like someone’s home office, with the obligatory desk being used as a drum. There’s nothing about this one that’s not charming: It’s upbeat, classic and sweet-spirited, the sort of song that’s just a joy to listen to.”

"Song To Get You Through The Week" ...the music video for the Hip Swayers’ “Heard an Angel,” ...won the 2015 “WooTube” Video of the Year... The song itself is a fairly straightforward piece of Americana, an acoustic duet between guitarist Dave Blodgett and bassist Toni Ostrow. It’s a sturdy little love song, carried by understated harmonies and a jangle of strings. “And when she’s gone,” they sing, with a terribly engaging sweetness, “she’s gone so long/I straggle on/ like nothing’s wrong/ Ain’t that the way/you’ve got to pay/another day that’s gone astray.” It’s not a fussy song, and neither is the video: Really, it’s simply the duo playing, shot upward from the ground, a dizzying perspective that somehow lends the shot some sense of scale. Moreover, the whole thing is sepia toned, with the edges fuzzed out. The result is the illusion that the video is pulled from an earlier era, music and picture echoing the early days of recording...."

“With the catchy quality of their music, when the Hip Swayers start up their signature twanging guitar and the omnipresence of vocal harmonies, staying still or stationary ceases to be an option for listeners. This is true of both live performances and recorded media....More than anything, their music is fun. No one can deny that. I, for one, can't keep my hips from swaying when I hear songs like “Mojo Box” and “Drive Me Home.””

"These performers from Worcester, Massachusetts are not to be missed! A bit of Hank Williams sensibility, Carter/Cash authenticity, and infectious personality."

"I'm so psyched you guys are doing this, it's going to be so much fun! Plus, I can already envision the 100s of smiles on peoples faces and this gives me an amazing sense of joy!" June, 2012 "It was fantastic meeting/hearing you guys today. Thank you again for coming in and playing for our clients. They were going on and on about how much they really enjoyed the show. I played the CD that you gave me during snack time and we continued to jam."

Meggan Cantlin, Booking/Event Coordinator, N.E. Dream Center - Feedback after playing N.E. Dream Center shows

"You play good music...not that bebop stuff!" "Great entertainers!" "Thank you and come back!"

The wonderful residents at Notre Dame - Feedback from our Notre Dame performances

“Dave and Toni won the hearts of the residents at Nazareth House as they sang familiar and fun duets. They got people singing with them on “Hey Good Lookin.” Smiles were broadened when Dave played kazoo on “I Wanna be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” and people wanted to know how he could sing with a kazoo in his mouth! Fingers snapped and toes tapped to “King of the Road.” And everyone enjoyed their original “Sweet Angel.” In addition to the wonderful duos of Cash and Carter, Sonny and Cher, they performed many songs which elicited joy and laughter. “King of the Road” was a big hit as was the hilariously fast “I’ve Been Everywhere.” The Hip Swayers indeed had “Something to Brag About” at the end of this sweet show. ”

"People get kind of blown away by your song selection"

“Trish wrote: "I loved your performance, and love even more the c.d.! I have listened to it like 5 times now!!! will def come see you perform again!!" ”

Trish - Posted to facebook after REC Farmer's Market show

“Caught them tonight at Beatnik's. I was trying to be nonchalant but eventually I cracked. I was swaying too. And it wasn't the beers! Toni and Dave great vocals. Solid rhythm section. Guitarist played a Tele--bluegrass, country, slide, surf-all going' on. Nice treat for an old city boy. Thanks Hip Swayers Deluxe!”

Joe D'Angelo - Music & Dancing Email List

“Walter said "nice" and Bob said "love love the hip swayers !"”

"Thanks again for a real treat and an inspiration. I love your joy, your courage and your obvious love for your music. I hope to see you again. Peace, Jason" "Great job tonight at the Highland Coffee House. We love you..." Dwain

Jason and Dwain - Posted to facebook after Highlands Coffeehouse (Thomaston, Maine) show.

“We didn't want to let the weekend end without sending you our thanks for a truly delightful and memorable performance last night. You brought a wonderful and gracious energy to the room. From our vantage point in the back, it was obvious that the audience was carried along by both your music and your spirits. We would love to have you back. ”

Diane Stolar and John Sepe - The Listening Room at MindFull Books, Jaffrey, NH