BURBANK, CA. (Warner Bros. Records) - The Ditty Bops, the Los Angeles-based duo of
Amanda Barrett (vocals, mandolin, dulcimer) and Abby DeWald (vocals, guitar), whose music has been likened to everything from The Andrews Sisters to
Joni Mitchell to "sly contemporary foxes" with "old-time essences and modern edges," are front and center this fall with a full plate of high-profile events.
First up is the October 26th release of their eponymously titled debut album on Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Mitchell Froom (Suzanne Vega, Crowded House, Elvis Costello), "The Ditty Bops" features twelve original songs including "Walk Or Ride," "Four Left Feet," "Pale Yellow" and "Wake Up," and has already earned a lion's share of critical raves. "Imagine walking into an old vaudeville show," commented Marie Clare, " - that's the feeling you'll get when you listen to this self-titled debut album that rolls bluegrass, honky-tonk, and ragtime into an irresistibly upbeat sound track."
"Their self-titled debut is a veritable homage to the jazz, swing, and ragtime-era acts of yesteryear," added Interview. "The girls harmonize on fragile odes to love, danger and the good old days with the thrown-together intimacy of a carnival sideshow."
In conjunction with the release of "The Ditty Bops," the duo will embark on their first-ever North American tour, sharing the bill with The Dresden Dolls on a series of select coast-to-coast dates through the end of November. They will launch their tour with a College Music Journal showcase, October 14th at CB's 313 in New York City. Additional tour dates are listed below.
The Ditty Bops will make a special appearance during the Los Angeles Fashion Week. Coinciding with the October 26th release of their album, the pair will provide the music for the runway show of designer Petro Zillia, who will be showcasing a line inspired directly by The Ditty Bops' song "Wishful Thinking." An invitation for the event will highlight Amanda and Abby wearing Petro Zillia designs.
"The Ditty Bops are one heck of a wild carnival ride," enthused Flaunt Magazine, and the ride is about to begin.
The Ditty Bops' 2004 North American tour dates are as follows:
10/29 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
10/31 Iron Horse Northampton, MA
11/2 The Cabaret Music Hall Montreal, QC
11/3 Mod Theater Toronto, ON
11/5 Park West Chicago, IL
11/6 Mississippi Nights St. Louis, MO
11/8 The Bluebird Theater Denver, CO
11/9 Club Sound Salt Lake City, UT
11/12 Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room Seattle, WA
11/13 The Red Room Vancouver, BC
11/15 Aladdin Theater Portland, OR
11/17 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA
11/19 El Rey Los Angeles, CA
11/20 Epicentre San Diego, CA
