Haven’t you ever wondered what a fuzzy, round cartoonist listens to as he creates the wondrous two-dimensional merriment posted here on anewscafe.com? Well, that’s too bad because as Yoko Ono used to say, “I rock with my wok out.” I have the ol’ speakers hummin’ as I work here at the Intestoons Amusing Renderings and 2-D Visual Jocularity, Ink World Headquarters, Studio and Extra Bedroom just outside Twin Griddles, Utah.
I thought I’d share with you, beloved readers, some of the recent purchases/downloads and other digital aural manifestations I’ve encountered. Some are new, some are old, but with the plethora of recorded music out there maybe a few of you like-minded individuals (poor saps) will be reminded of some neat stuff or perhaps even be introduced to some interesting as-yet-unheard-by-you music. After all, who is more qualified to review tunes than your local cartoonist? Nary a soul, I daresay. Here’s what’s spinnin’ at Uncle Philbert’s. Dig it, all of you Kool Kats and Kitties…
OUT TO LUNCH! Eric Dolphy, on Blue Note. I just downloaded this 1964 album from post-bop, avant-garde jazz saxophonist/clarinetist Eric Dolphy. I have to confess, the first time I heard the name Eric Dolphy it was as the title of a track on The Mother Of Invention’s 1970 classic Weasels Ripped My Flesh. The Frank Zappa composition was called The Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbecue. Being the curious sort, I sought out some of the jazzman’s music. Unfortunately, all I found was some of his earlier sides, which didn’t move me much. Man, I wish I had located Out To Lunch! I can easily hear where Zappa was influenced by Dolphy’s experimental structures and sound. This is a captivating album. I know, I know, when you say “avant-garde jazz” your pee-pee shrivels, but this is not just senseless noodling. In fact, it’s rather melodic. The interplay between Dolphy, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and the wigged out rhythm section is fascinating. If you’re not a fan of 1950’s and 60’s jazz I wouldn’t start with this one, but if you work your way up to it I think you’ll flip, daddy-o.
Other Stuff On Rotation: I also downloaded In Session, the collaboration between two guitar giants, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughn. This album smokes. It’s fast and loose, just like you like it. Besides it was only $1.99 on Amazon.
Obviously, I must be in jazz and blues mode because I also got the remastered Muddy Waters comeback masterpiece, Hard Again. This 1977 Johnny Winter produced gem is a must for anyone who loves rock and roll. Winter’s decision to gather the combo, mike the individuals as well as an overhead mike to capture the “room” was a stroke of fortuitous genius. This album sounds great. The performance is, well, it’s Muddy Waters, you goofball. And he’s backed by a stellar band which included Winter and harp master, James Cotton. Go ahead, find fault with this one, it’s brilliant. Really.
Sacred, Profane and Sugarcane, Elvis Costello’s latest LP produced by T Bone Burnett has already been reviewed here, but I’m still listening to it. It’ll grow on you like Spanish moss (you should get that looked at).
Show Time by Ry Cooder. I haven’t heard this 1976 live album from slide guitar virtuoso and Professor of Musicology, Ry Cooder since, well, 1976. It captures the period between Chicken Skin Music and Bop ‘Til You Drop with a snazzy and lively performance. Good record, even if you already have all the songs, the live treatment is superb.
There’s more, but we’ll save it for later. Check back soon for my take on the Jim Dyar Band’s latest release, Magical Land. That should be fun.
Love & Smoochies,
Philbert
