DAN WALTON - leader, piano and vocals
Dan is an expert in a multitude of piano styles, from Western Swing to West Coast Bebop. Following a long stint with Asleep at the Wheel, he became one of the busiest and most respected musicians on the Austin music scene. He has wanted to lead a band like the Jump-Swing Imperials for quite awhile, to play and sing the kind of romping dance music popularized by Louis Jordan and Wynonie Harris, as well as Boogie Woogie, Swing and R&B.
JOSH HOAG - upright bass
Josh played and recorded with Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay, Seth Walker, Floyd Domino, Johnny Gimble, Hot Club of Cowtown, Frank Wakefield, Two High String Band, Thrift Set Orchestra, Jazz Pharaohs, Asylum Street Spankers, Redd Volkaert, Guy Forsyth, Wayne Hancock, and Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. He is an active participant in the Austin scene-performing with top names including Clay McClinton, Silas Lowe, Jonathan Doyle and StringSwing, arranging, composing, and hosting monthly bass hangs.
HAL SMITH - drums
Hal is a veteran drummer, whose resumé includes work with most of the “name” traditional jazz and swing bands in the U.S. Currently he works with New Orleans bandleaders Tim Laughlin and Kris Tokarski, in Austin with the Jason Roberts Western Swing Band and on tour with the Memphis Speed Kings — a Jerry Lee Lewis tribute band.
The Jump Swing Imperials usually perform as a sextet, with two horns and four rhythm. However, the band is also available in other configurations for smaller venues. Some of the musicians who perform with the full band include cornetist David Jellema; saxophonists Jonathan Doyle, Lyon Graulty and Zack Varner; and guitarists Rick McRae and Jamey Cummins.