The Tiger Beats

The Tiger Beats are a collective of Nashville artists with a common passion and respect of the “The Great Era” of Blues and early R&B. Founded by singer and guitarist Patrick Sweany in 2010, but fully realized in 2018 by the arrival of drummer Jason Smay, bassist Ted Pecchio, and guitar player/singer McKinley James. Their popular Blue Monday residency at the 5 Spot in East Nashville has become a unique force in the Music City landscape, and established a collective and communal element to the band. For the Sandy Beaches cruise, the Beats will feature members Patrick Sweany on guitar and vocals, Ted Pecchio on bass, Arjuna Contreras on drums, and Austin John on guitar and vocals.  Speaking to the collective nature of the band, there has been quite a bit of exciting pre-cruise chatter in Music City about other artists on the cruise sitting in, who just happen to be Tiger Beats members themselves! The Tiger Beats’ adherence to the dynamic energy, groove, and sound of classic Blues and R&B, while leaving any post-rock pretense or histrionics behind, makes them a singular and powerful live music experience. The band showcases the elemental Delta to Chicago sounds of Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, and Howlin’ Wolf, the stinging West Side guitar attack of Magic Sam and Otis Rush, the swinging R&B of Bobby Blue Bland and Little Junior Parker, with a little Fats Domino and Swamp Pop for good measure. The Tiger Beats are a powerhouse of old school, soulful sounds for the here and now.