This highly-recommended (by Maple Blues Editor Brian Blain) band, recently taken under the wing of NorthernBlues Prez Fred Litwin, has haunted Grossman�s Tavern in Toronto for a number of years now and is finally gaining a substantive presence in the music industry. In fact, in 2003, they were chosen by a high-profile Toronto blues guitarist to provide the entertainment at his wedding reception at that legendary venue!
Smarten Up! is hardly what I would consider a blues album, as it leans more towards a country-roots-rock vein, infused with spiritual doses of Celtic, jazz and even Middle Eastern influences. John Lee Hooker (and perhaps Bukka White, as well) is paid a tribute in the gospel-like anthem, �Buck a Joy�. Speaking of tributes, author Tom Robbins gets a nod with a CD liner note proclaiming �Even bagpipes get the blues�.
There are several prime instrumentals displaying their innovative approach to cross-gendered music utilizing bagpipes and other exotic instruments, i.e. �Tandoori Mustache� (my favourite), �Smarten Up!�, a fast-paced multi-instrumental jig (featuring an �Adeste Fideles� sampler), �James Brown Ate My Bagpipe�, rhythm and blues like you�ve never heard it before, and �Zimbobby� � a non-traditional highland fling, heavy on rhythmic bass and sax, that just begs for two additional descending notes to complete the final riff.
The cleverly-written �Memphis� is destined to be a radio hit, even though a Tennessee friend of mine finds that Beale Street has recently undergone a disappointing commercial transformation. It�s succinctly nailed here as a �broken town with all its� faults, Americana treasure vault� and reprised as the closer to emphasize its catchiness.
No two songs on this completely uptempo CD are alike, so it makes for a great party CD, and, even better, multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Grier Coppins� vocals are immensely likeable and backed up by a superb cast of supporting musicians, including fabulous Ottawa bassist Joe Burns!
Taxi Chain will be showcasing their wonderfully eclectic soundscapes starting this month, notably at Readers Caf� in Dunnville on March 18/04. Come on out and support this unique Canadian band in an equally unique venue that operates as a restaurant as well as a bookstore! |
