The Mission Statement of Martini Max and the Swing Kats

Martini Max and the Swing Kats are dedicated to the writing and performing of American's Music, Jazz. This includes all elements and movements derived from jazz, which include (in chronological order): Dixieland, Traditional, Swing, Bebop, West Coast Cool, Latin, and Jump-Blues/Lounge.

MM&SK also strive to incorporate modern musical elements into their original pieces as well as to perform a few choice standards in a way all their own. Through this, the band believes that they can keep Jazz alive and swinging in the 21st century. Also, the band hopes that by being younger than many of their musical peers, they will both give hope to older musicians who wish to see the music continue, as well as younger ones to strive for a higher level of musical awareness and mastery.

While many believe that the recent "Swing Renaissance" was merely a fad, MM&SK believe that Jazz will always be American's music, and continue to capture the people's attention. Likewise, many call neo-swingers "sell-outs" or "last year's trend." The band believes that Jazz is the true underground music because it survived the 20th century, and continues to sell more albums today than it did when it was "popular."

No matter where you live, there is probably a venue nearby where you can watch live Jazz. As long as that continues, so will MM&SK. Whether or not the band receives a record deal, or even keeps the same band members, all efforts will be made to produce catchy new music for our albums and shows. Moreover, representatives of the band will see that the music gets to those fans and people who will enjoy it.

Finally, Jazz is the people's music because everyone can express themselves artistically through it. If you are a singer, you sing. A musician, of any instrument, can play. People with no musical drive can dance--and those who can't dance can immerse themselves in the fashions around the music. Those who relate to nothing above can go to a show and appreciate the energy, musicianship, musical sharing, soul, and history of the music.

As long as people dance, drink, drive nice cars, and smoke fine cigars--jam on music, and groove on life--as long as we fall in and out of love, get the blues, and then try our luck at love again... Jazz will be there!

Keep jazz alive!
Martini Max