It's been almost three years since we've had a new product from Milwaukee's own
Paul Cebar. I ran into the musician at last year's Locust Street fest and
asked if there were any new cd's planned in the near future. He said he didn't,
but I'm glad that he changed his mind relatively quick! "Suchamuch" is
as much a greatest hits type cd recalling Cebar's recording career over the
past eight years. Putting out a live cd of his material is a nice choice since
this band is so much fun to see live.
The one complaint I have with the cd is that it was recorded live in Chicago. Not
that I have anything against the city, I just think it would have been more
fun to have this recorded at Shank Hall, BBC, or some other venue in the area.
Regardless of where this was recorded, it's a fun and danceable cd.
Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans music can best be described as swinging r&b. A good
example of this formula can be heard on "Jump in the Line". This cover of the
classic Harry Belafonte tune sways to the great sax solo by Bob Jennings. The "bosa
nova" sounding guitarwork from Cebar and Terry Vittone adds nicely to the mix, and the
groovy percussion and drum solo is not too far from sounding like Santana. There
are plenty of other great covers on this cd. "Second That Emotion" is an effortless
performance that comes off as more reggae than motown while Bruce Springsteen's
"One Step Up" features some great accordion. Cebar makes these songs his own by
using his own arrangements. The true pleasure of listening to this cd comes from
the original tunes. The best of the bunch would have to be "Twice Little Sixteen".
Cebar actually spices up the song quite a bit than the original studio release from
1993 (I still think of departed co-singer Robyn Pluer when I hear this).
The accordian shows up again on this tune giving it the style and feel of
a cajun song direct from New Orleans. The title track and newly written "She's Suchamuch"
contains a classic line; "I've been kissing the ground she walks on, 'til my tongue
gets to tired to talk.". This is a straight-ahead, beer chugging song that sounds
like a lot of fun to hear live! The cd ends fittingly with the low-key "Romance in
the Dark". Cebar plays this solo with his guitar, and his voice is soft and soulful.
This is a nice contrast with the swinging and busy sound of the other 15 songs.
Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans will be performing at Shank Hall in Milwaukee on 3/24.
It's always a great show, and I'll attempt to make a visit... assuming I'm not too
hung-over from my birthday on the 23rd! You may want to see this band live before
buying "Suchamuch". If you're hooked on this band, this cd is a great collection
of this band's music.
