Want To Know What A Lounge Version Of Your Favorite Song Would Sound Like: Well, you have to take a listen to Richard Cheese!
Think of a band or a song that you really like (and no, it doesn’t have to be jazz). Now imagine what a lounge version of that song would be. Well, that – in a nutshell – is Richard Cheese. He broke out with his first album Lounge Against The Machine back in 2000, and he has taken music parody and arranging by storm.
Thinking about how to do a lounge version of “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash – or even “Gin & Juice” by Snoop Dog and “Fight For Your Right” by the Beastie Boys. Yeah, this guy is entertaining and hilarious!
Who Is Richard Cheese?
But behind all the fun and games is his band “Lounge Against The Machine,” – featuring Mr. Cheese on vocals – and they know their stuff, having built a foundation of solid music skills. Combine that with their creativity for adapting arrangements of songs from just about any style, and you’re left with album after album of good music and great comedy relief.
Since his first album in 2000, he has put out 7 other albums, not to mention a couple of singles. His releases this year include “Dick At Nite,” a karaoke instrumental version of his 2007 release, and his single “Indiana Jones Theme.” The band also has 3 more albums in the works, one of which (Viva La Vodka) is expected by the end of 2008. Two others are scheduled for 2009 and 2010 releases.
Unfortunately, Cheese has released that he is wrapping up his lounge band in 2009, and plans to go out with a 2008-2009 farewell tour, already underway. He does mention, however, that he will be back in 2010 with an all-new Hawaiian band lineup. Maybe not the same, but at least we can continue to hear his arrangements.
Where Is He Performing?
2008-2009 Farewell “United We Lounge” Tour
Oct. 18th: HARLOW’S (Sacramento)
Oct. 25th: BIMBO’S (San Francisco)
Dec. 31st (New Year’s Eve): ANAHEIM HOUSE OF BLUES (Anaheim)
Jan. 31st: HOUSE OF BLUES (San Diego)
Apr. 18th: WEBSTER HALL (New York City)
Jun. 13th: EL CORAZON (Seattle)
Jun. 16th: DANTE’S (Portland)
For more information on Richard Cheese, check out his site.
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