AltWeeklies Wire » Music » Profiles & Interviews

The Q's Resurface

By T. Ballard Lesemann
Charleston City Paper | May 9, 2007
A year before R.E.M. released their proper debut on 12-inch vinyl, Atlanta pop/rock band The Swimming Pool Q’s issued their own quirky debut, 1981’s The Deep End EP and were on their way to signing a deal with A&M.

Led by singer/guitarist Jeff Calder and singer/keyboardist Ann Richmond Boston, the Q’s were among that first wave of “new wave” rock bands in the Peach State. 1984’s self-titled effort and 1986’s Blue Tomorrow, were more straight-ahead, nicely arranged, more sophisticated pop efforts that led to high status on college radio and beyond.

After Boston exited the band, the Q’s released World War Two Point Five in 1989 on Capitol. The band unofficially disbanded in ’90 and Calder concentrated on writing and recording music.

Several years ago, he re-assembled the classic Q’s lineup with late-era drummer Billy Burton and bassist Tim DeLaney (of The Sightseers). “The Swimming Pool Q’s have been a remarkably stable group, given certain financial considerations,” he says. “It’s true that Anne left the band for a number of years, but with the exception of Tim, the Q’s are the same group we’ve been since 1982.”

The Q’s recently re-released a version of The Deep End. Their latest studio efforts include 2002’s Royal Academy Of Reality and the forthcoming Suddenly Not Yet.

See www.swimmingpoolqs.com for more.
Tags: Atlanta, Jeff Calder, Swimming Pool Q's, The Swimming Pool Q's

Charleston City Paper

Founded in 1997, the locally owned and operated City Paper is Charleston's only weekly alternative newspaper and the second-largest publication in the metro Charleston area. Reaching a strong mix of active, affluent locals and tourists, the City Paper has thrived...
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