Dan Hicks And The Hot Licks Prep First Release Since 1976

Acoustic swing legends Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks have returned to the studio for the first time since 1976. "Beatin' the Heat" (Surfdog), due on August 15, includes appearances by Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Brian Setzer and Tom Waits.

In the '60s, Hicks played drums for the Charlatans, an early psychedelic band. Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks began as a side project, then gained popularity working the TV variety show circuit in the '70's.

A summer tour is planned.