The Coctails

Progenitors of the lounge revival movement, kitsch-pop icons the Coctails formed in Kansas City in 1989; making their debut at an area art gallery clad in matching yellow tuxedos complete with maroon bowties. The group (singers/multi-instrumentalists <a href="spotify:artist:3LmEaccc7M0USGtLrsBSwE">Archer Prewitt</a>, Mark Greenberg, John Upchurch, and Barry Phipps) forged a unique, eclectic sound celebrating the sound and imagery of '50s-era space age bachelor pad music, drawing influence from everyone from <a href="spotify:artist:0kbYTNQb4Pb1rPbbaF0pT4">Miles Davis</a> to <a href="spotify:artist:3D9J9nPNW1cBktx5apJq4V">Martin Denny</a>. After issuing their 1990 debut EP Hip Hip Hooray on their own Hi Ball label, the Coctails adopted a slightly less whimsical approach for the 1991 full-length Here Now Today, the first major step forward in the band's continued creative development. A relocation to Chicago preceded the release of the Songs for Children EP, while with 1992's The Long Sound, the Coctails abandoned their pop leanings altogether in favor of straight-faced jazz instrumentals, collaborating with the likes of veteran jazzman <a href="spotify:artist:6SvRAl4Hye8jtpj30koS4e">Hal Russell</a> and reed virtuoso <a href="spotify:artist:55Wpgt1Y1RISpita5RLxGm">Ken Vandermark</a>.

As the Coctails' notoriety grew, they emerged as something of a cottage industry; in addition to operating their own labels (Hi-Ball and its sister imprint Carrot Top), the band produced a series of handmade novelty items ranging from dolls to calendars. After issuing a pair of 1993 EPs -- 3/4 Time and the Christmas-themed Winter Wonderland -- the group returned to their pop roots the following year with Peel, their most fully realized effort. The Coctails' self-titled finale was released December 31, 1995, the date of their farewell live performance (preserved for posterity on the Live at Lounge Ax, Chicago disc); in the wake of the band's demise <a href="spotify:artist:3LmEaccc7M0USGtLrsBSwE">Prewitt</a> continued with his work in the Sea and Cake, later issuing several superb solo records, while <a href="spotify:artist:2eVVaUkKOP4cOwkbHqMYMO">Greenberg</a> recorded with wife Anne-Marie as the Log Letters. The Coctails reunited January 15, 2000, for a one-time-only gig in honor of Lounge Ax's final night of business. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi