NEW ALBUM! Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring in “Fat City”

For the first time, we’re teaming up with legendary swing revival band Squirrel Nut Zippers to release their latest album – just in time for the 30th anniversary of the Zippers’ platinum-selling Hot. Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring in “Fat City” (The Ballad of Lil’ Tony) arrives on the Music Maker label Friday, March 6, 2026.

Part Beggar’s Opera, part literary narrative, and all rooted in the jazz and cabaret of the early 1900s, …Starring in “Fat City” is inspired by the misadventures of Jimbo Mathus’ grandfather.

“The character of Lil’ Tony is based on my grandfather, Tony Malvezzi, who began his life in the early 20th century as a bootlegger and juke joint operator,” says Jimbo, “continuing in his post-World War II life as a big band promoter in hotels and ballrooms such as the Peabody in Memphis and the Old Absinthe House in New Orleans. Many of the stories and characters described in ‘Fat City’ are based on his memories of those times.”

The album is the culmination of 30 years of material, part fiction, part non-fiction, and part autobiography.

“I first conceived of the concept for Squirrel Nut Zippers starring in ‘Fat City’ three decades ago, when I was doing some recording in Metairie, LA for our Perennial Favorites album,” says Jimbo. “That’s when I learned that the city of Metairie had attempted to rebrand its entertainment district as ‘Fat City’ to promote a sort of tourist alternative to the French Quarter. It had failed in this regard, but I was haunted by the idea of a cut rate city trying to promote itself as something that it was not.”

Jimbo is no stranger to Music Maker Foundation. For the last several years, he has been an integral part of our creative team, serving as in-house producer and bandleader at our new recording studio in Fountain, NC. He is now a member of our advisory board.

When Jimbo suggested that Music Maker release the Zippers’ new album, Tim Duffy saw the potential to reach a connect a broader audience with our work supporting American traditional musicians.

“The Squirrel Nut Zippers offered their new album to Music Maker in the hopes of shining light on our mission to their dedicated fan base,” says Tim. “We are grateful to have found such a reliable partner who deeply shares our belief in American roots music.”

Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring in “Fat City” can be purchased from Music Maker Foundation and is available now on all major streaming services.