Ingrid Lucia and the Flying Neutrinos - I'd Rather Be In New Orleans (1994)

At first, the Flying Neutrinos come across like a New Orleans variation of the Squirrel Nut Zippers -- which, admittedly, is a clever concept. In all of the swing-revival mania of the late '90s, there wasn't a single band that decided to get loose and bluesy by following swing's cousin, New Orleans jazz and R&B. The New York-based Flying Neautrinos do that, complete with a sultry, Billie Holiday-influenced lead singer, Ingrid Lucia. The difference is, their debut album I'd Rather Be In New Orleans is played completely straight-faced and sober. Apart from a Shel Silverstein tune, there's very little of the novelty that characterizes the swing revolution, which may make the album more enjoyable for some purists. But like their swinging cousins, the Flying Neutrinos appear on record as if they would be a better proposition in a live arena. True, I'd Rather Be in New Orleans is an entertaining album, but it's a bit too mannered -- which is especially frustrating since the best moments suggest that they're a good live band who can be truly captivating in a live setting. On record, they sound a little constrained, especially since they rarely take any risks in their solos, but they never fall into stodginess like many trad-jazz groups. There's enough swing, style and tunes on I'd Rather Be in New Orleans to keep it entertaining, and even if the group never quite transcends its own reverence for the past or develops a signature sound, it's refreshing to hear a younger band play classic New Orleans music after years of rehashed swing. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Born into a family of street musicians, Ingrid Lucia sang in her family band, the Flying Neutrinos, from the age of eight, so she has music coursing deep in her soul. This sassy New Orleans native has a voice that's prompted thousands of comparisons to Billie Holiday. But despite her stylistic similarities to Lady Day, Lucia's delivery is upbeat, fun and just a bit naughty, in the true Big Easy tradition.

Ingrid Lucia grew up in a gypsy-style traveling family band, living in buses, boats and tents for the first eighteen years of her life. She started out as a dancer, but by the age of 8 she was singing in the band.

That band was the Flying Neutrinos. At first the family travelled and played through Mexico, but eventually they returned to their New Orleans roots. When she was 18, Lucia and her cousin, Todd Londagin, took over the Neutrinos and took the group from the streets of New Orleans to the clubs and concert halls of New York City where they played with everyone up to and including Tony Bennett.

They soon had their first CD, I'd Rather Be in New Orleans, featuring the great Doc Cheathan. Three additional highly acclaimed CDs have followed.

Describing that first CD, the Washington Post said, “There are times when Ingrid Lucia and the Flying Neutrinos' album I'd Rather Be in New Orleans is enticing enough to make even a staunch New Yorker feel homesick for the Big Easy. A sultry, behind-the-beat voice, a combination of sometimes languid, sometimes syncopated rhythms, and lots of evocative brass all conspire to make this a picture postcard of an album.”

Mark Cally (Guitar), Ingrid Lucia (Vocals), Doc Cheatham (Trumpet), Alex Norris (Trumpet), Matthew Weiner (Bass), Dan Levinson (Saxophone), David Berger (Drums), Matt Munisteri (Guitar), Jennifer Vincent (Bass), Ingrid Lucia (Executive Producer), Dan Levinson (Clarinet), Matt Munisteri (Banjo)