Songs from/inspired by the 1920's, New Orleans, and traditional jazz.

1920's, New Orleans, Originals & Trad Jazz

A collection of love songs and break up songs from The Scooches' albums.

Lovin' & Leavin' Songs

Sinatrasamo

Frank Sinatra - Sway

(3:57) - Folk - FCC Friendly - Give It To Me Real is the beginning of a deeper connection. No more stonewalling! Give it to me real! Tell me what you feel! We all need to communicate with each other, and believe that our truths can be heard and understood. I am here. I am listening. I can handle your truth!

Recorded live, this was the second take. Nick overdubbed Fender Rhodes.

CHORDS & LYRICS: Give It To Me Real

After so much time	D	D
Avoiding my glances	G	A
You’ve got something on your mind	D	D
I’m taking my chances	G	A
No more staying quiet	Em	A	
Talk to me. Just try it.	Em	A
  
I can take it	Bm
What’s on your mind	G
I won’t break	D
And I’m not blind	Em
You’ve got something holding you back 	Bm	Em
I can feel	G	F#
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
 
You used to smile	D	D
Like I was golden	G	A
It’s been a while	D	D
What cha been holding back	G	A
So much left unspoken	Em	A
I don’t think we’re broken  	Em	A

I can take it	Bm
What’s on your mind	G
I won’t break	D
And I’m not blind	Em
You’ve got something holding you back 	Bm	Em
I can feel	G	F#
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
Give it to me real	Bm	E7

Look in my eyes. My heart’s open	G	Bm
I’m ready for this cry	A#dim	Gmaj7
Reach for me now. I will listen,	Em	Bm
So please don’t lie.	A#dim	/ 	/ F# /         /

I can take it	Bm
What’s on your mind	G
I won’t break	D
And I’m not blind	Em
You’ve got something holding you back 	Bm	Em
I can feel	G	F#
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
Give it to me real	Bm	E7

Break open and reveal
The way you really feel
Not perfect, not ideal 
No, don’t conceal  (I won’t break… I won’t break...)
Give it to me real


Track 10 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300010
Formatt: R&B, Singer/Songwriter
Length: 3:57

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Russell Hall, bass
Amad Johnson, drums
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Lift You Up

Give It To Me Real

(3:25) - Folk - FCC Friendly - What’s Meant To Last Will Last is inspired by songs from the 1920’s songs and written as a celebration. Sometimes we need to let go of the past to be joyfully present.  For my friend Heidi Anderson, inspiring songstress and sweet dreamer! This song has gorgeous harmonies layered on by Angela Workman.

LYRICS: What's Meant To Last Will Last

Don’t you wanna throw it all away
Don’t you need to clear the system
Don’t you wanna throw away the past
What’s meant to last will last

Don’t you want to sweep the dirt
Though the sweeping, it may hurt
Don’t you wanna clear the path
What’s meant to last will last

Oh I know you and you know me, too
And I know all the things you wanna do

Don’t you wanna laugh out loud
Don’t you wanna make yourself proud
Don’t you wanna have a blast
What’s meant to last will last

(Solos)

Don’t you wanna fill up your shoes
Don’t you wanna outshine the news
Don’t you wanna give up the past
What’s meant to last will last

Don’t you want to clean that slate
Don’t you wanna fill up your plate
Don’t you want to end this fast
What’s meant to last will last

Oh I know you and you know me
I think this journey - might set us free

Don’t you wanna laugh out loud
Don’t you wanna make yourself proud
Don’t you wanna have a blast
What’s meant to last will last

(Solos)

Ooh, the breezes, how they blow
How it teases with the - things I wanna know

Don’t you wanna laugh out loud
Don’t you wanna make yourself proud
Don’t you wanna have a blast
What’s meant to last will last

Don’t you wanna throw it all away
Don’t you need to clear the system
Don’t you wanna throw away the past
What’s meant to last will last
Don’t you wanna throw away the past
What’s meant to last will last


Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, guitar, lyrics/composition
Angela Workman, voice
Michela Marino Lerman, tap
Russell Hall, double bass
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), tenor banjos, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

DETAILS:
Track 7 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300007
Formatt: Singer/Songwriter, 1920’s inspired
Length: 3:25

What's Meant To Last Will Last

(5:35) - Folk - Leavin’ is a song about how we have to leave people behind to follow our dreams, but yes, we will be back! Written for my kids. This song came out as I was driving away to tour with my band, missing them already. I captured it on voice memo and immediately added it to our set list. - Betina Hershey

LYRICS: Leavin'
(For Seriana and Lydian)

Leavin’. It’s so hard to be leavin’ you
Like I know I gotta do.
Believe me. Oh, please believe me. I love you so
Even though I'm gonna go.    

The road keeps calling, I keep falling
For the dream ahead.
It calls me nightly, holds on tightly
Though I’d rather be with you instead.
But I’m leavin’.  
Yeah, I’m leavin’.   

Remember, by mid September I’ll come back here
So There’s nothing more to fear.
I’m returning when dreams stop burning inside my mind,
And I’m ready to unwind.

The road keeps calling, I keep falling
For the dream ahead.
It calls me nightly, holds on tightly
Though I’d rather be with you instead.
But I’m leavin’.  
Yeah, I’m leavin’.   

Well, I know it’s gonna be hard
When the road between us is long	
But no matter how far you are
I’ll be back before it all goes wrong		

Stop bugging. Let’s get to hugging and say goodbye, even as we cry.
Just hold me. Go on and scold me but I tell you true, I’m coming back for you.

The road keeps calling, I keep falling
For the dream ahead.
It calls me nightly, holds on tightly
Though I’d rather be with you instead.
But I’m leavin’.
Yeah, I’m leavin’.   

Still believing
Though I’m grieving
By the next full moon
Though I’m leaving now 
I’ll be back soon
Though I’m leaving now
I’ll be back soon	
Though I’m leaving now
I’ll be back soon
Take this as a vow
I’ll be back soon
Though I’m leaving now
I’ll be back soon



Track 6 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300006
Formatt: R&B, Singer/Songwriter
Length: 5:35

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Art Hirihara, organ
Harvey Wirht, drums
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitars, electric bass, piano, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics/arrangement)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Leavin'

(3:53) Folk - FCC Friendly - I Broke The Egg is a break-up song that involves a dropped egg, dancing, and a bath. Yes, this is a funny, raucous song with a twist.

LYRICS: I Broke The Egg
by Betina Hershey

I broke the egg, I let it fall, 
I saw it crack against the wall
And now it’s oozing to the floor

You saw my fingers as it flew
Oh, yeah, your face turned stiff and blue
And then you slammed right out the door 
And now you won’t be back no more

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
So good for me
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack 
And now I’m free

My naked foot stepped in that mess
So slimy, sticky, I confess
That I began to shake my toe

And now I’m laughing like a fool
I have no plans for keeping cool
I’m letting loose and letting go

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
But not for you
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack 
And now we’re through

And in the aftermath I shook
I had to take a bath and look
At how we always up and walk

You needed me, I needed you
But there is one thing we don’t do
We don’t know how to sit and talk

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
But not for me
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack 
But now I’m free

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
But good for who?
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack…
But I wanted you.

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Kenny Kosek, fiddle
Jennifer Vincent, double bass
Harvey Wirht, drums
Dr. David Pleasant, tambourine, Gullah Geechee stomping
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, banjo, music director, producer

Track 5 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code: QZXRQ2300005
Format: Americana, Newgrass
Length: 3:53

I Broke The Egg

I Love You Baby - Frank Sinatra

If You Go Away - Jack Jones

We (Nick Russo & Betina Hershey Russo) wrote I'm Gettin' Married for each other for our own wedding.

We released this original on September 30, 2016 on our album, "Very Next Thing" by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

http://www.BanjoNickaru.com

I'm Gettin' Married

Betina (Hershey) wrote I Don't Believe In Love for me (Nick Russo)before we were married and are now including it on our debut album, 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Release date: September 30, 2016

http://banjonickaru.com

I Don't Believe In Love

From our new album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Release date: September 30, 2016

http://banjonickaru.com

You Are My Sunshine

From our debut album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Release date: September 30, 2016

Betina Hershey, voice
Miles Griffith, voice
Nick Russo, slide guitar
Dr. David Pleasant, percussion
Mamadou Ba, electric bass

http://banjonickaru.com

Jock-A-Mo

1924 Spencer Williams's piece (lyrics by Jack Palmer).

From our debut album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Features:
Betina Hershey, voice/guitar
Nick Russo, banjo
Dr. David Pleasant, percussion
Josh Holcomb on trombone (from MTV's Lucky Chops)

Release date: September 30, 2016

http://banjonickaru.com

Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love

Classic song from crooner Frank Sinatra, remixed by French producer ProleteR
Produced and mixed by ProleteR

Available for free download here : http://proleter.bandcamp.com/album/bonus-tracks

Produced and mixed by ProleteR
Bandcamp : http://proleter.bandcamp.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/ProleteR.beats
Youtube : www.youtube.com/user/proleterbeats

Free Download

Frank Sinatra - That's life (ProleteR tribute)

New York City's Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches are likely the only band infusing elements of world rhythms and sonorities with folk traditions, New Orleans influences, and music from the 1920s. Their forthcoming sophomore album, Get Us Out Of Fearland, due June 15, builds upon the multi-cultural exuberance that made their debut, Very Next Thing, a transcendent breath of fresh air. Elmore Magazine championed its “Remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition,” with revered tastemaker station WFUV adding, This is a band that must be heard to be believed!"

"This powerful and strong influence for our band brings spiritual energy to our shows," says co-founder/musician Nick Russo. "My musical life has always been surrounded by an eclectic combination of unique musicians and scenes. So naturally, this band is a melting pot of many different cultures, genres, instruments, and sounds. My dream is that people of all races and origins live, play and share all our different world musics and cultures together as one united race, without fear…one love!”

While the band’s debut featured a “Unfailingly high-spirited” mix of traditional fare culled from various cultures, the new 9-track opus showcases mostly original material, with the lone cover, a lively rendition of “A Hundred Miles," the rollicking fiddle-fueled train tune from the 1800s. The remaining eight songs were penned by vocalist Betina Hershey, “Songs are always pouring out of me. Some I catch, and some slip out past my lips and float away. With the help of a cast of music mates, these songs linger so beautifully, with textures that I hadn’t even imagined.”

Highlights of Get Us Out Of Fearland include the playful 1920s verve of “I Don’t Need No Glasses,” the warm lilting embrace of “I Wish The World Knew Why,” the organ-driven, gospel-tinged “Dandelion,” featuring special guest singers, Stephanie Rice and Charenee Wade, and “Soar,” an inspirational song filled with optimism, determination, and perseverance. These qualities soar skyward throughout the 25-minute journey but none more so than on the boisterous groundbreaking title track, which features improvisational vocalist Miles Griffith, known for his work with Max Roach, Paul Simon, and Reggie Workman, and percussionist/vocalist, Dr. David Pleasant, a singular talent who has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Cecil Taylor, and Paul Simon. 

To support the lead-up to the release of Fearland, Russo and Hershey, along with accomplished percussionist Emiliano Valerio, who appears on four songs on the album, will play fifteen showcases at the world renown Folk Alliance International Conference, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary, February 14-18, in Kansas City, MO. Last year, the group was a breakthrough act at the conference, receiving a special invitation to open the main stage of the Kansas City Folk Festival.

“Unfailingly high-spirited.” London Times

"This is a band that must be heard to be believed!” WFUV

"Americana music at its purest and most impressive." No Depression

“It's unlike anything most listeners will find elsewhere.” San Diego Troubadour

“Remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition.” Elmore Magazine

"Get Us Out of Fearland” https://youtu.be/eBjU_0TyBnw
“I Wish The World Knew Why” https://youtu.be/_nUIaxzjoKc
“Soar” https://youtu.be/wPcqoubvUxo

Get Us Out Of Fearland

Dandelion

I Don't Need No Glasses

Frank Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon

NYC-based The Scooches fuses global music with Americana sounds, including folk, roots, New Orleans styles, music of the 1920s, and originals.

"...it's unlike anything most listeners will find elsewhere."
San Diego Troubadour

"Americana music at its purest and most impressive" No Depression 
 
“Unfailingly high-spirited." LONDON TIMES

"It underscores, too, how sounds from another time can be renewed and re-imagined, by creative minds and right hands, in the present moment. (Banjo Nickaru & Western) Scooches are ridiculously fun." Rambles. 

LIFT YOU UP #1 Album - FAI Folk Chart July 2023
GET US OUT OF FEARLAND  #2 Album - FAI Folk Chart April 2018 
THE VERY NEXT THING  #6  Album - FAI Folk Chart September 2016

“Remarkable musical dexterity, with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition.” Elmore Magazine

Led by Betina Hershey and multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo, the Scooches feature standout musicians from New York, Suriname, Mexico, and Sapelo Island, who have performed at Kansas City Folk Festival, Club Passim, Isis Music Hall, Blue Plate Special, WFUV, John Platt's “On Your Radar” and all around the world. Band members have performed with artists such as Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Jerry Garcia, Julia Roberts, and Wynton Marsalis. Plus they have made appearances in movies such as Disney's "Enchanted,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” “Away We Go” and PBS Masterpiece, “The Chaperone.” 


"Fresh and vital" Classical Arts 

“Nick Russo has worked with artists all over the jazz spectrum. His latest release brings a decidedly unorthodox approach.”DOWNBEAT  ⋆⋆⋆⋆