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Michael Moore - clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, melodica
Will Holshouser - accordeon
Han Bennink - drums
ʻExcerpts from a raw recording of the last concert of a two-week north american tour expertly mixed and edited by Will Holhouser. a rollicking set of interwoven tunes and improvisations.ʼ "This is indeed a unique trio in different ways: the instrumentation of reeds/accordion/drums is one thing, but the song selection is also something else. Starting with a traditional song from Madagascar, we also get a Kurt Weill cover, a Cajun tune, some Moore originals and a couple of other oddities. Commencing with what sounds like a horror movie soundtrack with eerie accordion and sinister clarinet we are soon sailing into a delightful ethno-groove with Mr. Bennink on infectious swinging brushes and saying "yee-hah!". Mr. Moore sounds like an animal moaning in pain at the beginning of "Truthiness" before the trio hit their stride. Although this trio sounds skeletal at times, they are also rock solid with strong gestures. Han's brushwork (on the snare only mostly) is just incredible. This piece morphs into a blues called "Families Be So Mean" a tough, older sounding ditty with great greasy accordion by Will and a swell twisted clarinet solo from my man Michael. Although "Kerfuffle" starts out rather free in winds up as standard called "I Never Knew" which has that great old-timey sound. This song has been covered by Benny Carter, Erroll Garner & Frank Sinatra. Kurt Weill's "Bilbao Song" gets a fine, smoky, sly, poignant version. The final tune is a Cajun song called "Balfa Waltz" which features some great klez-like clarinet, festive accordion and infectious down-home rhythms. Music like this is guaranteed to make you smile so wise up all you sourpusses and take your medicine." Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery |
