"Top-notch”,” First-rate" and " Impressive" are just some of the words used to describe the Shwing Daddies. And there are few words that really communicate the enjoyment and pleasure that everyone gets when they listen to the Shwing Daddies. One listener summed it up best when he said, "You guys are not just good, you guys are scary good!"

 

          The Shwing Daddies (pronounced Shweeeng) are a solid group of very capable singers and musicians. The foundation of the group is comprised of Scott Bickford on bass; Larry Clarizio on acoustic and electric guitar; Gary Lapado on electric guitar and Marty Henninger on drums. They are as exciting to watch, as they are to hear. All four of the group's members trade the role of lead vocalist seamlessly and achieve exceptional three and four part harmonies as they roll out song after song of favorites from the '60s to present. Formed in March of 2003, they have developed a stage presence that typically is only found with groups that have played together for many years.

 

          Scott Bickford, known for performing with and eventually leading the Thursday Night Jimmy Buffet Band lays down the rhythmic foundation on his bass guitar. Bickford's voice is smooth and solid as he belts out the classic Jimmy Buffett tunes like "Cheeseburger in Paradise", "Fins" "Come Monday" and "A Pirate Looks At 40".

 

          On acoustic and electric guitar and harmonica we have Larry Clarizio. Larry was brought up in a musical family and has an abundance of experience in many musical genres. He has gained a reputation as a solo singer and guitarist performing songs like Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the cradle" Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" as well as Billy Idol’s White Wedding".

 

          The Shwing Daddies feature Gary Lapado on electric guitar. Gary is the consummate guitarist with a love of many styles and an ability to play them all flawlessly, able to go from The Dire Strait's song "Sultans of Swing" to Chris Isaac's “Wicked Game" to Jimi Hendrix's "Red House" all with astonishing ability.

 

          Rounding out the band is Drummer Marty Henninger. Marty has been a main stay of the Portland music scene for many years and has played in many notable bands most recently being the leader of his own Marty Henninger Band featuring his original music. What Marty brings to the Shwing Daddies is his dazzling vocal renditions of the Token’s “Lion Sleeps Tonight” and the Eagles “ Hotel California” and Free’s “Alright Now”.

 

          The most impressive element of the Shwing Daddies is that as strong as each musician is separately, as a group they are quite formidable in their ability to perform three and four part harmonies. They consistently bring down the house with their renditions of The Beatles "Nowhere Man", Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" and Crosby, Stills and Nash's song "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" as well as the Sons of the Pioneer's "Tumbling Tumble Weeds". Their sincere love of singing together is always evident throughout the performance.  Polished, but not restricted, they hold the audiences' attention with tight musicianship and infectious energy setting them apart from the average cover band.