Few bands within the ecosphere of the Binghamton music scene strike as unique a chord as Peaches and Crime. This talented ensemble dresses to the nines in vintage kit and puts on a theatrical, vaudevillian live show of old-timey jazz, swing, blues, and Americana you won’t find anywhere else. And we mean that quite literally, because “P&C” are mostly performing original numbers written in that classic style of yesteryear, rather than relying on old standards.
Peaches and Crime are a nine-piece group consisting of remarkably talented musicians mostly from Binghamton (Bryan Flood is from Geneva) who each take up an alter ego when performing. They include:
- Angela Schwartz as “Angie Diamond” (lead vocalist & main songwriter)
- Cat McDonald as “Young Catherine” (backing vocals & clarinet)
- Ross Bennett as “Ross” (drums & percussion)
- Mike Sclafani as “Mikey the Fist” (piano, accordion & backing vocals)
- Greg Baker as “Gregor Gregorovich Lunin” (upright bass & backing vocals)
- Bryan Flood as “Vitor Vardot” (guitar)
- Zeb Carstrom as “Zebby C” (backing vocals & incidental percussion)
- Daniel Schwartz as “Danny Black” (Master of Ceremonies & head lyricist)
- Charles Berman as “The Professor” (actor & comedian in our theatrical productions).
The music of Peaches and Crime is of course influenced by any number of early twentieth century artists and groups, though they also weave in the experimental influence of Tom Waits, merged with the theatricality of the Dresden Dolls. It’s a clever amalgamation of jazz and swing, cabaret and burlesque, presented in a whimsical flurry of high-energy, time-warping entertainment.
Background
Peaches and Crime formed in Binghamton, New York in 2009, and have called the Parlor City home ever since. Though through the years, they’ve performed around the East Coast, having gigged their way through New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. They’re no strangers to music festivals either, having performed at Binghamton Porchfest, Ithaca Porchfest, and the Rude & Bold Women Visual Arts show. And we can’t go without mentioning their incredible Murder Mystery shows, which kick up their revivalist theatrical elements to a fever pitch. They have a new murder mystery debuting at the Cider Mill on January 13th 2024.
With four studio albums released and a fifth LP currently in the works, Peaches and Crime have a lot of great music to lose yourself in. Be sure to check out their albums The Great Display (2010), Vaude-VILLAINS! (2012), Do Bad Things (2014), and their more recent album Locked Door Sessions (2022). The group has also finished tracking their next album, Knock ‘Em Dead, and are currently in the mixdown and mastering phase. We’re stoked to hear it and we’re looking forward to penning that review!
In 2015, Peaches and Crime participated in a Guinness World Record attempt at the Metropolitan Room in New York City, an effort to organize the longest variety show in the world. And they were also featured in season 15, episode 5 of the WSKG show Expressions, performing songs like “Devil City Strut” and “Herschel Ganev.”
On a side note, some metal fans may also recognize the name Greg Baker: he played bass for the internationally-famed “nomadic folk metal” band Tengger Cavalry. Guitarist Bryan Flood lends his impeccable guitar talent to the Ithaca band Sugar Lumps as well. And Binghamton music fans might remember Angela Schwartz and her stunning bass performances with the metal/ punk band If Man is Five.
Learn More about Peaches and Crime
Shy of owning a vintage British police box or an appropriately fitted DeLorean, Peaches and Crime are the best means of time travel in the Parlor City. Learn more about this innovative ensemble by visiting these links:
Peaches and Crime are an unsigned, self-represented band. You can contact them directly via email at peachesandcrime@gmail.com for bookings and press/ media inquiries.
One Reply to “Artist Profile: Peaches and Crime”
Comments are closed.