PRESS
August 18 2009
Published in: http://zzaj.freehostia.com/ by
Dick Metcalf
Rainbow Jimmies - THE MUSIC OF JOHN HOLLENBECK: A whole host of very talented players join to play John’s compositions, as well as his intricate drumming… if you were inclined to label his music to make it fit into some preconceived notion of what you think it should be, you would need the services of someone with training in psychology. This is not music that “fits” (easily) into a category; strong elements of jazz, yet with the heavy focus on violins, you will hear something definitely akin to chamber music - teasing you into thinking you are listening to neo-classical. The addition of vibraphone on the “Gray Cottage Study” pieces adds an element that has strong affinity with the jazz side of things, but the pieces remain mysterious… this will challenge some listeners who believe music should “only sound one way” (or the other). Listeners who enjoy something different will find this musical experience more an adventure than a challenge, though… it’s best listened to with headphones, and you should map out (just over) an hour, so you can absorb the entire CD at one sitting. Those with more of a bent for jazz-oriented music will probably agree with my pick of “Gray Cottage Study #6 “jazz hands” as a favorite, but those who enjoy something more adventurous will probably settle on the two Ziggurat tracks (“Ziggurat (exterior)” & “Ziggurat (interior)”) for your repeated listens. My absolute TOP pick, though, was the title track (click on the link at the beginning of this review to hear it), which took me (somehow) back to Frank Zappa’s “Jazz From Hell” sagas… it may have been special guest Mark Stewart’s guitar that made that come to mind, but no matter, it is an invigorating yet totally unique piece that will be incorporated into my “forever” playlist, along with a few others from this grand sonic adventure. This one gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating! Get more information at http://www.johnhollenbeck.com Rotcod Zzaj