No matter what group of able players is backing him, Izzy Zaidman -- known just as Izzy on swingin' circuits -- is a one-man powerhouse of retro guitar fun. As the longtime axman for Wayne "The Train" Hancock, he perfected a rollicking style of guitar-picking that sounded like it was swiped straight from the Sun Records vaults.
As a frontman in his own right, though, Izzy's amassed a cult following of fans across the country thanks to his distinctive live shows. As a bandleader, he's part foul-mouthed lounge lizard, part Andy Kaufmanesque comedian, and, most of the time, a fiery force of rock 'n' roll. And swing. And honky tonk. And a little classic country. And basically every other musical genre for which a pompadour and bright lipstick are perfectly appropriate.
This is straight-up fun, no chasers, and Izzy returns to South Florida this Saturday when he performs with a new backing band, the Catastrophics, at the Poorhouse. Though he's come through previously with the outfit the Kesstronics, this grouping features a fresh lineup. Most notably for subcultural types, that includes trombonist Chapman Sowash, who's done time with favorites of the trad ska scene like the Toasters, the Slackers, Westbound Train, and the Aggrolites.
Below, download one of a heart handful of tracks available on Izzy's website. This one's called "Ay Mammi Mammi," a track that jumps like an outtake from Crybaby.
Izzy and the Catastrophics, with Riot Act. 10 p.m. Saturday, February 4, at Poorhouse, 110 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Admission is free; age 21 and up. Click here.
Download: Izzy and the Catastrophics - "Ay Mammi Mammi"
