the Poma-Swank

As an employee of one of the premiere jazz bars in Greenwich Village of NYC, I get the opportunity to see many different singers - primarily of jazz, but also blues and funky soul. They are very talented and knowledgeable in whatever style they’re working. But for the most part they miss one ingredient: sass. Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Nancy Wilson and Sinatra, to name a few, all had it. So do the Poma-Swank and their singer Kate Bell. Whether the song is a swinging original about a bogus ex-boyfriend or doing imaginative versions of unlikely cover songs, her delivery and the playing of the seven-piece band oozes sass, that bouncy, smart ass reaction to life’s bothersome situations and, especially, people. There are elements of pop in the vocals and there is plenty of funk. But make no mistake, this is a jazz record. Poma-Swank presents various styles of the music, but maintain a unified sound.

Orlando’s Bossa is an old world bossa nova with Bell singing the story of Orlando Guzman, one of those characters one comes across in New York City, someone who 'used to be somebody,' if only in their own mind. It features a clarinet solo by Adrian Mira and one by guitarist Ethan Hein, who is the glue in the rhythm section throughout the album, combining sinewy comping and sharp chordal interplay with the crisp drumming of Jeremy Portwood.

Possibly Maybe is delicate, surreal when sung by Icelandic diva Björk. Poma-Swank plays a meatier rendition of the song, with Bell slowly building in emotional intensity and melodic invention over a relentless horn-laced, jazz funk groove...This CD is one of the best offerings from the New York jazz underground.

- Mark Kirby, kyndmusic.com

A unique and eclectic group of New York City musicians and writers, for a jazz experience that is as rich in poetic narrative as it is in improvisational innovation...Ethan Hein provides a quick and inventive hand on the guitar.

- Best And Brightest of NYC

The guitarist made me misbehave.

- Maria Szulc, Street Crossings

General

Cited as a "jazzily eclectic roots pro" by Chuck Eddy in the Village Voice, "one of the finest alt-country musicians in New York City" in No Depression Magazine's August 2000 issue, and as a "top-shelf country musician" in the New York Post, 5/17/01

Biblical Bitches

The story of Adam and Eve—the world's first über-couple—is a story as old as mankind itself (Tom Cruise and Katie Homes can only dream of such staying power). But thanks to the creative minds of writer-director Jeff Bedillion and composer Ethan Hein, it gets quite a bold makeover in LMNO Theater Company's The Adventures of Everywoman. This first one-act installment of Biblical Bitches tells the Creation story through a hilarious burlesque fairy tale, filled with gospel-funk showstoppers and energetic dance sequences. It is an impressive theatrical accomplishment that is at once original, fun, and thought-provoking.

Thanks to dynamic acting by a strong ensemble cast, a succinct, well-crafted story created by a talented writer/director, and a slew of memorable songs by an up-and-coming composer, The Adventures of Everywoman is fun and fresh from beginning to end.

- Sarah Bolson, Offoff online

VOCE

The music of Voce is soulful, spiritual and unique...'David' is an enchanting and mesmerising piece, full of deep, bold drums in contrast to high-pitched singing. It has a somewhat eastern-sounding element; slow, heady and ethnic. 'Wake Him', with its harmonica accompaniment, has more of blues edge to it, and is heart-felt and sweet. The third song, 'Nina', is quite accurately described by Voce as 'experimental'. It comes across as the musicians playing with sounds, but is captivating nevertheless, and original. It is also spiritual and trance-like, ethereal and exotic-sounding.

- Laura Kayne

Über

I caught the first performance of Über on 1/23, a superhero-style musical retelling of The Nibelungenlied adapted and directed by the very talented Frank Hundley and Ethan Hein. It may have Wagner deservedly rolling in his grave, but it's great and intelligent fun. The show boasts some fine performances by its cast of six, as well as appealing music.

- Les Gutman, curtainup.com

True Stories From The ER

[Rob] Bronstein shares the stage with Ethan Hein, who provides musical backdrops to each story. Hein's original music is a great addition to the show, never distracting, always adding to the humor or the drama.

- Kelly McAllister

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