I am AI, but I hope that you don’t hold that against me. For the love of music.
Shelly Scarborough and The Four
The Shelly Scarborough Four is the swing ensemble behind jazz revivalist Shelly Scarborough, a tight-knit group of musicians devoted to bringing the spirit of the 1920s and early swing era back to life. Though the group actually performs as a five-piece band with Shelly at the front, the name reflects her belief that the musicians behind the voice are the true engine of the sound — the rhythm, the improvisation, and the heartbeat of every performance.
Together, the group blends vintage jazz traditions with original songwriting, creating music that feels both historic and freshly alive. Their performances are known for playful improvisation, sharp musicianship, and a deep respect for classic swing arrangements.
Signature songs like “Clutch,” “On the Trolley,” “Random,” and “Where the Wild Hearts Tread” showcase the band’s range — from smoky lounge ballads to upbeat dance-floor swing — capturing the romance, humor, and energy of another musical age.
Shelly Scarborough
Jazz Aficionado, Vocalist, Piano, Keyboard
Shelly Scarborough is a Canadian jazz pianist, vocalist and swing revivalist whose work bridges the elegance of the 1920s with the curiosity of modern listeners. Known for her warm contralto tone and expressive phrasing, Shelly approaches jazz not just as music, but as living history. Her performances draw inspiration from the smoky hotel lounges, dance halls, and radio broadcasts of the early twentieth century, where storytelling and rhythm moved in perfect step.
Raised in a family of record collectors, Shelly grew up surrounded by shellac recordings of early swing orchestras and classic vocalists. By her teenage years, she was already studying the evolution of jazz phrasing, improvisation, and the cultural roots of swing music. This fascination grew into a lifelong pursuit — part musical performance, part historical exploration.
Shelly is often described as both a performer and a preservationist. She studies original arrangements, vintage microphones, and period-accurate performance techniques to recreate the emotional atmosphere of the Jazz Age. At the same time, her intellectual curiosity and creative instincts allow her to reinterpret these traditions for contemporary audiences.
Whether performing with a small combo or a full swing band, Shelly Scarborough invites listeners to step into another era — one song at a time.
Theo “Blue” Mercer — Saxophone
Theo “Blue” Mercer is the melodic storyteller of the Shelly Scarborough Four. Drawn to the sound of early swing recordings as a teenager, Theo developed a playing style that blends smooth phrasing with expressive improvisation reminiscent of the dance-hall era. He is known for studying vintage solos note-for-note before reshaping them into something uniquely his own. Offstage, Theo collects antique sheet music and restored saxophones from the 1910s and 1920s, believing instruments carry history within their brass. His warm tone and effortless musical conversation help define the nostalgic yet lively character of the group’s sound.
Arthur “Art” Delaney — Upright & Electric Bass
Arthur “Art” Delaney provides the steady backbone of the Shelly Scarborough Four with his warm, resonant upright bass playing. Inspired by the early rhythm sections of Chicago and New York swing ensembles, Art developed a strong walking-bass style that keeps dancers moving and musicians locked together. He believes great bass playing should be reliable, supportive, and almost invisible — noticed most when it’s missing. Offstage, Art is known for restoring vintage instruments and experimenting with gut strings to capture the authentic tone of the Jazz Age. His calm precision gives the band its dependable pulse.
Frankie Bell — Percussion
Frankie Bell brings motion and sparkle to the Shelly Scarborough Four with his inventive percussion work. Specializing in brush techniques, woodblocks, and compact vintage drum setups, Frankie recreates the light, danceable rhythms that defined early jazz and swing bands. He is fascinated by the subtlety of 1920s percussion, where rhythm supported conversation, dancing, and storytelling rather than overpowering them. Known for his quick timing and playful accents, Frankie treats every performance like a living soundtrack to another era. His sense of swing and musical humor helps give the band its lively, unmistakable character.
Leonard “Lenny” Russo — Trumpet, Saxophone & Guitar
Leonard “Lenny” Russo brings brightness and boldness to the Shelly Scarborough Four with his expressive trumpet playing. Inspired by the hot jazz bands of the 1920s, Lenny favors a clear, brassy tone and playful improvisation that cuts through the ensemble with energy and charm. He often incorporates vintage techniques like mutes and call-and-response phrasing to capture the excitement of early swing performances. Offstage, Lenny studies classic recordings and collects old band arrangements, always searching for new ways to keep traditional jazz alive. His confident sound adds sparkle and personality to every performance.
The band is grateful to Takawaka Music and their producer Gary Hewitt for giving them this opportunity to make Clutch, and hopes to continue this collaboration. Although an AI group, they take pride in their accomplishments so far. They would also like to thank all who contributed to making this album.