Call Brian Auger the unsung hero of jazz-rock fusion (but expect a riposte from the man himself) or see him as a Zelig-like figure in contemporary rock and jazz. It hardly matters so long as you listen to him on his instrument of choice, the iconic Hammond B3 organ (or the Fender Rhodes electric piano a close second).
With the tragic passing of founding member Richie Hayward, Little Feat suffered what is undeniably the band's greatest loss since the untimely death of its mastermind Lowell George. But the venerable group has enlisted some redoubtable reinforcements for its 16th studio album Rooster Rag.
Heady sounds generated by a hirsute bunch, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s Big Moon Ritual might seem a contrived throwback to a past long, if the music didn’t sound like it came perfectly natural to them.
The alternative country movement occurred over ten years ago but don’t tell that to Burlington Vermont’s Waylon Speed. Not that they want to fit comfortably in any niche: they are as apt to cite Fugazi as an influence as the Grateful Dead. And the quartet really doesn’t sound like either of them. But the description on Twitter struggles mightily and fails to capture the essence of the band too: filthy rotten underground outlaw dirt rock.
It’s will-nigh impossible to resist the temptation to flip through Canyon of Dreams. Its dimensions may not quite fit the definition of ‘coffee-table book,’ but its plethora of photos make it an ideal piece to casually pick up and peruse.
The fourth studio recording by Burlington VT’s Waylon Speed is a logical extension of their previous projects. Within roughly two years, the quartet has released their eponymous debut CD, a deliberately schizophrenic double album (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades), then a four-cut EP (Boots), all of which have primed the pump for Valance.
That relish no doubt has to do with the relatively new presence of percussionist/vocalist Jano Rix. Chris and Oliver are now separated at their own microphones stage left and right to accommodate a clear sightline to the new addition to the band, so Rix’ presence presents The Wood Brothers as a versatile three-man band that often sounds twice its size. And it's not just when he joins in singing as he did when the threesome gathered round a vintage mike for "Liza Jane;" Rix’ agile drum work brings The Woods to the threshold of an even more vigorous and assertive approach.
Any music lover who relished Billy Martin's collaboration with John Medeski, Mago, will not only anticipate the master percussionist's self-produced work with Wil Blades, but be eminently satisfied with it as well.
To proclaim that Lettuce avoids the usual pitfalls of contemporary funk is a left-handed compliment for sure, but it does say more than a little about the power and cohesion of Fly. In the diversity of material and arrangement, not to mention the savvy musicianship and production by which the band parlay their skills, this album is the sound of a group full of the confidence that comes with validation of their chosen style.
If you’re looking for a benchmark of grassroots support for a rock and roll band, you needed go no further than Waylon Speed’s CD release party at Higher Ground’s Showcase Lounge on April 28th. Guitarist Kelly Ravin and bassist Noah Crowther were probably no more or less earnest than any other local band would be in their expressions of gratitude to a comfortably full house on a return home from tour, but this Saturday night audience responded intelligently to a single set that was as unpredictable as this band is eclectic.
