Indigo Swing
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | John Boydston |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Number of employees | 6 (stable lineup) |
Indigo Swing, which was later abbreviated to Indigo, represented a retro swing ensemble based in San Francisco during the mid to late 1990s. The band produced two albums under the independent label Time Bomb Recordings: All Aboard! (1998) and Red Light! (1999).
The group was initiated in 1992 by John Boydston, who drew inspiration from a swing performance at San Francisco's Club Deluxe. Their mission centered on reviving the musical and dance traditions of the 1940s swing era. Boydston gathered a lineup that included actor and pianist Pete Sutherland, guitarist and business executive Harold Fethe, along with attorney and bassist Andrew Coblentz. The name Indigo Swing was conceived during a workshop session, and by late 1992, they were performing under this name at a local San Francisco venue.
Following early adjustments to the lineup suggested by Fethe, the most stable and recognized roster featured vocalist John Boydston (known as "Johnny Boyd"), guitarist Josh Workman, bassist Vance Ehlers, drummer "Big Jim" Overton, pianist William Beatty, and saxophonist/flutist Barry "Baron Shul" Shumway. The band's emphasis was primarily on original material instead of traditional swing standards.
Indigo Swing engaged in extensive touring, frequently serving as the opening act for The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Their lively shows drew both audiences and dancers alike, securing them a significant presence within the swing revival movement.
After signing with Time Bomb Recordings in 1997, their debut release All Aboard! garnered favorable critiques, with reviewers commending its distinction among retro swing albums and highlighting the strength of the rhythm section and saxophone performances. Their sophomore album Red Light! further enhanced their standing in the genre.
Throughout 1999, personnel shifts occurred; Boydston exited the group and was succeeded by vocalist-actress Nicole Vigil. By the year 2000, Shumway remained as the only founding member. The band shortened its name to Indigo and expanded its musical approach to incorporate elements of 1950s rhythm and blues. They toured during 2000 in pursuit of a new recording contract but were unsuccessful in securing one. The final formation, identified as the Nicole Vigil Band, performed intermittently throughout 2001.