Music Reviews

Naked Orchestra, the – “Brief Repairs on the Gradually ” – [Jonathan Freilich Records]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   CD, Jazz

The avant-garde music scene in New Orleans is a bit rough – there is so much other great musics going on there it gets ignored by most. Jonathan Freilich (New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars) put this group together to explore the outside possibilities of New Orleans & klezmer traditions. The others in this orchestra come from some of the best brass/funk/punk/junk bands. Some of the compositions are a bit stiff and “anti-funky” – something that is very hard to do in “The Big Sleazy,” but the rest have an unusual energy. Track 5 takes klezmer harmonies at an analytical pace so you can really hear the complexities of the chords and rhythms. *review by Studebaker Hawk

Sprague Brothers, the – “Forever and a Day ” – [Hightone]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   A Library, CD

A modern version of the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly & the Crickets, Chad & Jeremy, The Beach Boys, early Beatles, any surf band, any rock’n’roll band, any rockabilly (old style) – these two actual brothers can do it well! These tracks are not covers of obscure 50’s and 60’s songs – they are original “oldies” in the best meaning of the term. Rockin’ good times, and I hear they are a great show to see live (mostly in SoCal region, but they do tour this way.) *review by Studebaker Hawk

Southern, Terry – “Give Me Your Hump! ” – [Koch Audium]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   CD, Comedy

A hard call between spoken word and Comedy, but I think Southern would have wanted to be in that category. He was a contemporary of W.S. Burroughs, Lenny Bruce and the Beats of the late 1950s, but he was also a major influence on the young writers of the National Lampoon generation. His writing included “Candy,” “The Magic Christian,” and the screenplays for “Barbarella,” “Dr. Strangelove” and “Easy Rider.” among many others. This recording is a collection of some of his readings and comedy productions, done by him and his friends (including Michael O’Donoghue and Martin Mull.) Not everything is a real winner, as satire & “black comedy” can be a very fine edged sword. Terry Southern died in 1995 at the age of 71 after a long spell of not doing too much…
MOST OF THIS HAS TONS OF “BAD LANGUAGE & PRURIENT CONTENT” AND CANNOT BE PLAYED DURING THE 6AM-10PM TIME PERIOD. PERIOD!!!!!!
*review by Studebaker Hawk

Green, Bernie & Stero Madmen – “Musically Mad ” – [Bmg Spain]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   CD, Comedy

Back in 1958 Mad Magazine was not as juvenile as it is now – adults could read it without too much shame. From time to time the magazine produced recordings, this was their first attempt. With a studio orchestra led by Bernie Green, a TV and movie soundtrack writer/conductor plus the very dry humor of Henry Morgan on some tracks, this is a very mixed bag of trash. Nowhere near as funny as earlier Spike Jones or the Hoffnung festivals recorded in the late 1950s (or PDQ Bach later on,) but for it’s time I guess it is OK stuff. Apply to Affected Areas, Close Cover Before Striking and RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!
(I don’t think this is an authorized in USA issue – there is no mention of it on the official Mad Magazine website…) *review by Studebaker Hawk

Mustafio – “Mustafio Has no Comment ” – [Stinko Productions]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   A Library, CD

Once again this somewhat mysterious personage from some place or the other regales us with a non-stop stream of commentary on his life, friends, enemies, and whatever. This time there is only one long track (with some music as a bed) so you will just have to find your own starting and finishing point.
I heard one tiny “Shit” at about 8 minutes till the end but it is not something to worry about… *review by Studebaker Hawk

Rube Waddell – “Bound for the Gates of Hell ” – [Vaccination Records]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   A Library, CD

Much more Rube Waddell from various recent live & studio recordings. Mutant Sea Chanteys, Jug Band Classics, Stompin’ One String Guitar, Sousaphone Squonk, Beat-up Pie Tins, Tom Waitsish Vocals, A Tribute to “Mannix” and other goofy fun junk from this local trio – they have toured all over the place but now reside in the Mission District. Track 14 fades into a long ambient wash but comes back for a thrilling conclusion – wait for it!
(BTW, the actual R.W. was a famous screwball pitcher from the early 1900s – quite a character on and off the field…)
*review by Studebaker Hawk

Zoot Horn Rollo – “We Saw a Bozo Under the Sea ” – [Zoot Horn Rollo Records]

Studebaker Hawk   1/16/2005   A Library, CD

Long after leaving Capt. Beefheart and The Magic band, guitarist Bill Harkleroad (AKA Zoot Horn Rollo) now living in Eugene, OR recorded this tasty rock-jazz fusion thing. At first it was going to be a home-studio solo project but he made connections with drummer Greg Bendian on the Internet and the project grew into this form. All instrumentals and mostly twisted yet beautiful, this is “Good Fusion” with varied guitar tastes, some sax and harmonica and a lot of local Eugene talent. By the way, Harkleroad also was a founder of the group “Mallard” and he also wrote a book about Capt. Beefheart. *review by Studebaker Hawk

Laika & the Cosmonauts – “In Absurdistan ” – [Yep Roc]

Studebaker Hawk   1/15/2005   A Library, CD

Laika & The Cosmonauts, direct from Finland in 1997 take another look at the surf music thang – they are not as frantic as some bands, an easy beat and clean melodic guitar, some organ/synth – reminds me more of the Ventures than anything else. All instrumental tracks (only a tiny amount of vocal effects and shouts, still qualifies for “Surf’s Up!”) with just a taste of that Finnish Reggae Tango on some cuts. check out the “Zap Comix” style booklet… *review by Studebaker Hawk

Lewis, Walter “Furry” – “Take Your Time ” – [Adelphi Records]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD

A very laid-back 1969 recording session with Lee “Mudboy” Baker helping out (check out that giant can o’ Falstaff!) this is a simple, honest Memphis/Delta blues style – easy pace, classic lyrics, big ol’ guitar. Furry was born sometime around 1893 so he would have been about 76 at the time of this recording. He played guitar for traveling “medicine shows” in the early 1900’s and got into the blues in the 20’s. Lost his leg in a train accident but he still got around quite a bit, recording in Chicago and Memphis, even worked as a street sweeper! – check out the full biography inside the booklet… great stuff!
*review by David Richoux

Youngblood Brass Band – “Unlearn ” – [E Pluribus Bumpass Music]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Back with Attitude – the Youngbloods have jumped up several levels since their last CD. with special guest vocal by Ike Willis (ex-Zappa) track 4 and lots of & rap-poetry stuff with Talib Kweli and Mike Ladd – some bits of bad language tracks 7 & 8, DJ Skooly scratching and a solid brass section, lead by “The Warrior” on Sousaphone (check out his acoustic-weird tones on some tracks using no electronic effects…) These guys are from the suburbs of Madison, Wisconsin but they still live in the heart of New Orleans Soul. *review by David Richoux

New Klezmer Trio – “Short for Something ” – [Tzadik]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Yet another in the “Radical Jewish Culture” series – this one finds Ben Goldberg noodle-ing around on his clarinet – mostly minor key and mysterious (even the Freylekhs are pretty slow,) Dan Seamans rumbling around the basement and Kenny Wollesen holding the whole thing together on percussion. Very dark and sad yet beautiful music on this CD. *review by David Richoux

Riley, Steve & the Mamou Playb – “Happytown ” – [Rounder Records]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Country

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys are of the generation that followed the modernization and revival of “Cajun” music by Beausoleil, Zachary Richard and a few others – Steve has taken the style just a little closer to mainstream rock using electric guitar and some electronics. Just a bit. They are still an exciting band, especially in a live setting. This recording covers a lot of different styles from straight old traditional Cajun waltzes to some eerie & dark swamp funk. Instros and some vocals – in Cajun and some English. *review by David Richoux

Caravana Cubana – “Late Night Sessions ” – [Dreamer Music /Rhino]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Rhino RecordsWith all the attention on Cuba and New York based Afro-Cuban Jazz people tend to forget another long time center for this style – Los Angeles. Dizzy Gillespie really focused this in the 40’s. Here we have a true all-star cast of musicians and singers (some were in that Dizzy Band) deep in the roots of Cubanisimo doing some hot, danceable, exciting and driving ensembles. Thanks to the folks at Rhino for producing this original (not reissue) session.
– *review by David Richoux

Sexmob – “Solid Sender ” – [Knitting Factory Records]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Knitting FactoryBack again with another wild recording – Steve Bernstein, Briggan Krause, Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollsen (and many guests) step into the void left by the death of Lester Bowie to totally fuck with some jazz and pop classics. This time it is Rock and R&B instead of “spy movies” and the stuff is outstanding!
Imagine if you will: “Ruby Tuesday,” “Please3” or “For What It’s Worth” done by a rowdy buncha New Orleansish New Pork funk horns, a giant rubber band bass (with a string section and a bit of turntable action on some tracks!) YOW!
Watch out for a lot of really short tracks between the real stuff – not exactly introductions, but they are separate things. Track 17 features the Sex Mob Children’s Choir. *review by David Richoux

Lewis, George New Orleans Jazz – “Hello Central ” – [Delmark]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Don’t confuse this George Lewis with the jazz trombone player.
This one was a New Orleans clarinetist who took the original jazz style (less solo, more ensemble) out to the world. Playing to what were called “Moldy Figs” or trad revivalists (mostly white) -G.L. sparked a great deal of interest in this New Orleans style. He played an Albert System clarinet, so the tuning can sometimes sound a bit off, but folks really liked it. This recording was done in 1953 (a peak year for the revival) San Francisco with a great touring band. Some vocals – great music… *review by David Richoux

Nicholas, Albert & Art Hodes – “Albert’s Back in Town ” – [Delmark]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

As the liner notes tell you, Albert Nicholas was one of the important clarinet players in the early years of jazz and he kept on playing well into the 60’s. Check out the list of bands he played in! On this 1959 session with pianist Art Hodes (Ho-dez, I think) and his band you will hear some great “classic traditional” jazz – not “Dixieland,” not “Trad Revival” – just some great tunes played with inspiration and long-term knowledge of what to do with them. all instrumental, with some alternate takes. *review by David Richoux

Mora’s Modern Rhythmists – “Mr. Rhythmist Goes to Town ” – [Mr. Ace Records]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Much like the Bay Area band “Royal Society Jazz Orchestra,” Mora’s Modern Rhythmists from the LA area have worked very hard to recreate the early 20’s-30’s orchestra style of jazz. Meant for both dancing and listening, these “Society” bands had a smooth yet hot sound (very polite for jazz) playing in posh hotels, ocean liners and fancy parties. On this recording there is an interesting mix of tunes from the early eras of jazz and proto-swing. The style of singing and playing is not a total imitation of Paul Whiteman recordings, but there sure is a lot of influence. Fun stuff… *review by David Richoux

Clusone 3 – “An Hour With… ” – [Hat Hut]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Like the other Clusone 3 recordings we have, this is some fun stuff! More bird inspiration, and I don’t mean Charlie Parker.
Reijseger on cello is WAY out there, but Moore and Bennink don’t do anything to bring him back. Goofy and silly jazz at times but then things settle into a groove – no explanations. *review by David Richoux

Amh Trio – “Live at Field & Frame ” – [Plutonium Records]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

Hoonkh, Blurt, Weerrbbble, Scree, Poot, Groan, Grummph, etc.
Fun stuff from the lower register from Albuquerque – Bari Sax, Tuba, Bass Clarinet and some higher things as well – very strange but not really scary when compared with some of the other things we have been getting lately. Seems to be total improvjazz but it is hard to tell these days… Mark Weaver on tuba is showing a lot of chops!
*review by David Richoux

New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra – “Grace and Beauty ” – [Delmark]

David Richoux   1/15/2005   CD, Jazz

While Ragtime was not invented in New Orleans, it was very popular and was a major part of the development of jazz in that city. John Robichaux (Row be show) had a band and did a lot of ragtime arrangements in the early 20th century. In 1965 these charts were found and a band was formed in 1967 to play them. The musicians on this 1967-1970 recording also played in the early Preservation Hall bands in the ’60s and some were playing jazz in the 1930s and ’40s.
Not a slick band (check out the New England Ragtime Conservatory band if you want polish) – there is some problem with intonation and the pace is a bit ragged, but these are some sweet tunes. All instrumental and of an era that will not come round again… *review by David Richoux