The Kindred Old Souls of Pop, Rock, and Everything Else

Postmodern Jukebox reimagines and recreates the hits...and they’re headed Up North

By Ross Boissoneau | June 24, 2023

It’s a sunny forecast for summer, at least as far as Postmodern Jukebox is concerned. The ensemble will perform at Bay View’s John M. Hall Auditorium July 1, bringing its unique spin to hits of today and yesterday as part of the aptly-named “Life in the Past Lane” tour.

Pianist Scott Bradlee debuted the concept in the mid-2000s, when he began recreating hits of the day in styles from decades before and shooting videos of himself and his bandmates dressed to fit the approach. Eventually the videos gained traction online, and he ultimately released recordings and founded a touring ensemble. In the years since, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, shortened to Postmodern Jukebox or PMJ, has toured six continents.

Why remake Miley Cyrus in the style of The Platters? Bruno Mars à la Frank Sinatra? The answer, for some of the band members, is simple.

“We’re all kindred old souls,” says Sunny Holiday.

She would know. Holiday is involved as choreographer, set designer, makeup artist, wardrobe, and more, working behind the scenes to recreate the look of the style for the time-twisted songs. “I joined up five years ago, working to enhance Scott’s arrangements and vision,” she says.

Holiday says she enjoys helping bring the songs to life, whether that’s dressing the performers or directing them. Eventually she was persuaded to join the group in front of the microphone and on camera as well. When that happens, she has to work to make sure she’s just performing the song, rather than keeping watch over everything going on, all while managing her own artistic insecurities. “I have to get out of my head and just try to have fun,” she says. “I just want to do one job really well.”

(That may be, but from what we’ve seen of the band’s recordings, she does well with her many jobs. The same is true when she’s in front of the camera, as in “Beyond the Sea”—originally a hit for Bobby Darin—or her take on The Association’s “Never My Love.”)

While neither Holiday nor Bradlee typically tour with the group, she says they occasionally pop in, as do other special guests. The touring band typically includes a rhythm section, horns, and numerous vocalists. They all take turns in the spotlight throughout the show, which features costume changes galore, as well as music popularized by everyone from Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift to ABBA, the Beach Boys, and Imagine Dragons. Those songs are all done up in different styles, from honky tonk to doo wop to Dixieland and beyond, though the melodies are always recognizable.

Holiday says whoever is onstage brings the goods, from the touring group to special guest stars. “You never know. People jump in … with our amazing group of musicians.”

Holiday says the song selections, style, choice of performers, and look all start with Bradlee. “The whole program is Scott’s voice and fingerprints,” says Holiday.

When filming, the videos and audio accompaniment are done in one long take without adding parts or using a click track. Holiday says that without the usual stage monitors and the like, they may not even realize how the song sounds until they play it back.

One recent recording featured a vocalist who sang, danced, sang again…and they could barely hear her over the horns. “The band was overpowering her; then we got the mix back.” When they heard the playback, Holiday says it was beyond their dreams. “Our minds were blown.”

That’s just one example. Back in 2014, the band performed a cover version of Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” with vocalist Kate Davis doubling on acoustic bass. Retitled “All About That (Upright) Bass,” it garnered eight million views over three months.

While PMJ gained fame for those videos, its live shows are no less visually imaginative, what with those costume changes and band members entering and exiting the stage. And don’t forget the (tap) dancing. Even those familiar with Postmodern Jukebox don’t know what they’ll see at any particular show, and that’s part of the fun for both audiences and performers.

Holiday says the ever-changing cast of singers and musicians keeps the shows and music fresh. “It’s like SNL [Saturday Night Live]—a revolving door,” she says. Over the years, the ensemble has featured over 70 different performers.

Attendees at a PMJ show may find themselves part of the proceedings, even if they’re not onstage. “They have a reason to dress up. I saw people dance. We’re inspired” by the audience, Holiday says.

When she’s not performing, Holiday enjoys watching the show like everyone else. “I pinch myself every time I sit in the audience.”

For tickets and more information, go to bayviewassociation.org and click on Purchase Tickets.