David Aaron's Short Memory: Cynical Rat Bastard (2006)

Jerry D'Souza

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2001

From Bombay, India to Indianapolis, Indiana via Toronto!

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Published: February 13, 2006

David Aaron's Short Memory: Cynical Rat Bastard

Are the tunes David Aaron plays on Cynical Rat Bastard short because of his memory? The longest runs close to six and a half minutes; whatever the reason, it's gratifying that he knows when to stop. He and his band make compact statements and move on.

Aaron plays the tenor saxophone with telling effect. He nails down an idea and then expands it in a deliberate and compelling fashion. Without sticking to a singular path, he can veer away and create another that is just as relevant. On the cheery romp "For Ever Green he swings in on the melody before coming back with a deeper groove. The shifts compactly sandwich guitarist Rob Ritchie, whose playing is open and lyrical and sways delightfully. The tempo of the mellow waltz "Sydney" is unhurried, and Aaron injects sweetness; Matt Wigton and his brushes lend light. And once more, Ritchie adds a glow amidst the shadows with his guitar. Aaron brings a hint of breathiness to the ballad "Sophia's Diary, with long notes that essay an emotional high plain, supported by some fine, understated backing from Wigton.

The music paints an interesting and colourful canvas, grabbing attention by combining bright splashes with darker hues daubed for effect.

Track Listing: Landshark; For Ever Green; Cynical Rat Bastard; Schnerdle; Nobbylocks; Ila�s Furnace; Sophia�s Diary; City Eyes; Soy Sauce Chicken On Rice; When I�m Alone, Chicks Go Wild; Dutch Courage; Corn Dog Hamper; Sydney.

Personnel: David Aaron: tenor saxophone; Rob Ritchie: guitar, vocals; Greg Ritchie: drums, vocals; Matt Wigton: bass, vocals.

Record Label: Short Memory
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream