BY CHARLES McCLURE
news@ltview.com
While it was the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald who penned the lyrics, “It Don’t Mean A Thing “If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” it was the memorable harmonies of the Mills Brothers that made the phrase stick in the collective American psyche.

And it’s true, you don’t, unless, of course, you do – and that is certainly the case with the Quebe Sisters Band. The group played two performances at TexARTS Kam & James Morris Studio Theater Friday, March 13.
The girls, all virtuoso “fiddle” players that would make Bob Wills blush with envy, also possess perfect three-part harmony that rivals the legendary Andrews’ Sisters.
They list their influences as Fitzgerald, Django Reinhardt, Marty Robbins, Tommy Duncan, Patsy Cline, Faron Young, Merle Haggard, Joaquin Murphy, Alex Brashear, Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant, Jethro Burns and Charlie Christian. The latter was MOST evident in the playing of their mentor and guitarist (also a fiddler himself) of Joey McKenzie.
This particular reviewer immediately realized that McKenzie was drawing heavily on Christian’s ability to fill the rhythm section, as he did with the Bennie Goodman Sextet of the 1930s – the first band of note to break the color barrier, with with Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa and others in tow.
When the similarity was brought to the attention of McKenzie after the show, a broad smile spread across his face.
“I am a huge fan of Charlie Christian’s and even own a rig that is exactly like his,” McKenzie said.
While Les Paul would like to take credit as the first exponent of the electric guitar, and while his contributions are considerable to be sure, it was actually Christian who deserves the credit for being first. Sadly, he contracted tuberculosis and died in 1941 in his early 30s. He was buried in an unmarked grave in his native Bonham, Texas until this reviewer and his historian father found the grave and co-wrote an article published in Down Beat Magazine in 1980.
In 1993, this reviewer was on hand to see Christian get his grave maker, as well as a Texas Historical Marker. His genius has influenced every jazz guitarist who followed.
McKenzie’s guitar prowess is equally matched by thump, thump, thump of bassist Drew Phelps. Their rhythm work holds the band together so well, they don’t need a drummer.
But back to the Quebe Sisters – when these girls perform, it is highly recommended to get your tickets and get them early. To hear them now, is to hear greatness at its inception, and that is always the most gratifying time to see artists as they blossom into full bloom.
Who knows where the road will lead for these three young ladies – but they have a strong family tie – mentors that are giving them proper, caring direction, and soon, very soon, they will explore musical landscapes that will be completely of their own making.