Review: Tony Joe White vs. Flying Mojito Bros. - The Swamp Fox (Flying Mojito Bros.)

Here's what the Flying Mojito Bros. say, "We are god damn electrified to announce our upcoming collaborative album 'THE SWAMP FOX' – in collaboration with the late, great Tony Joe White – our stratocaster master high sheriff – our one true swamp-king spirit animal. Out 13 March".

And there's not much more you need to know if you're a fan of FMB (aka Ben Chetwood and Jack Sellen).  You could always check out the YATM interview with Jack, (see HERE from last year when their 'Just PassingThrough' ablum came out on Ubiquity Records - see review HERE). And then their remixes, or should we say, "Refritos" like for James Alexander Bright (see review HERE) or the "beach" series of Paul Hilary's 'Children Of The Sun' (see review HERE) or Lucky Sun (see review HERE).  Or if you're lucky, delve into their 'Greatest Hits (1970-1983).

Of course, if you did your soon realise that it's not exactly them from 1970-1983, but more of a Flying Mojito Bros mixtape of all their favourites and you'll definitely find som Tony Joe White in their.  Why's that?  It's because the Flying Mojito Bros. are the biggest fans of the premier swamp rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, TJW (who sadly passed away in 2018).

It's because of the clear affinity that FMB's style of Desert Disco and County Boogie, that Tony's Estate have given Ben and Jack full access by Joby White (Tony's son) to his Dad's prime mid 70s/early 80s archive for a full-on tribute to 'The Swamp Fox' himself.

Easily recognisable for his singing style, subject matter and guitar swamp-twang you'll probably know of him from his writing credits such as with Waylon Jennings ('Cowboy Singer'), and cover versons by Brook Benton ('Rainy Night in Georgia') and Elvis's 'Polk Salad Annie'.

Can't say I know what/who is 'Polk Salad Annie', but down in Lousiana,Tennessee and 'Gator regions, they'll be familar along with these tracks, such as the story of 'Jake Leg Kid' (that been treated to some sexy FMB bass bounce disco) a 2025 Extended version of 'Swamp Rap' (sounding a bit like a long train running; fast with some dub guitar - and the funkiest rap south of Lake Michigan).

Track tiles like 'Makin' Love Is Good For You', 'Alligator Stomp' and 'Sign Of The Lion' gives you an idea of why his is so ideal for this type of subject matter along with that guitar sound.

It really grooves when we get some jazzy horn (like on 'Woman', shame its cut short) and backing vocals (like 'Underdog') but even without, there's a stong soul connection here with 'Grounded'.  

Whilst 'Swamp Rap' amazing, the album ends on the classic 'Bout To Dance (In My Pants)' - that's got a touch of Line Dancing and Wild Cherry about it but don't worry, it's Tony singing about "pants" and some squelchy swamp synth:  where's the extended mix to this?

"Outlaw House"?  There should be a bounty on these guys for been so good: Tony Joe White is a much missed talent and as this is as close as we can get to what he'd be doing today, it's brilliant.

BUY LINK / PRE: ORDER: The Swamp Fox

Flying Mojito Bros US Tour:
March 14 - Skinny Dennis - Nashville, TN
April 17 - Camille’s @ The Bellwether - Los Angeles, CA
April 24 - Discopussy - Las Vegas, NV
May 1 - 2 - Brooklyn Bowl - Las Vegas, NV
May 9 - Pappy and Harriet’s - Pioneertown, CA
June 19 - Cervantes’ Other Side - Denver, CO 
 

Music | Flying Mojito Bros

Artist: Tony Joe White vs. Flying Mojito Bros.

Title: Swamp fox

Release date: 13th March, 2025

Label: Flying Mojito Bros.

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp