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Reptet: Do This!
ByVarious group members wrote the all-original compositions, and the influences have a broad base. "Zeppo," the opener (penned by trumpeter Samantha Boshnack), has a nicely cluttered Charles Mingus feel. "Bad Reed Blues" (by multi-reedist Tobi Stone) is a whimsical weave of reed (bass clarinet) and brass in a sort of New Orleans/Allen Toussaint horn arrangementafter, maybe, the great arranger has had a glass of wine or twowith brass and reeds swirling in and out of the mix without fighting each other, each finding their own space. Everybody's assertive, but in a cooperative way, like a careening musical Roller Derby team.
"Harpo"there's a Marx Brothers theme going on hereincludes special guest Bron Journey on harp. The delicate, classical-sounding beginning evolves into a hard-trudging, bass/drum-heavy forward momentum behind obstreperous horn solos. You'll hear a bunch of different small percussion instruments shaking and rattling in and out of the mix throughout the disc, suggesting a Art Ensemble of Chicago influencewith a strong sense of fun.
With Do This the Seattle-based Reptet has crafted a fresh, engaging and innovative sound.
Track Listing
Zeppa; Bad Reed Blues; Ro; Harpo; Chico; Groucho; Munia's Lament; Little Caesar; H.R.; Do This!
Personnel
Reptet
variousSamantha Boshnack: trumpet, slide trumpet, flugelhorn; Ben O'Shea: trombone, juju seed rattle; Tobi Stone: baritone, alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet; Izaak Mills: alto and tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute bull moose call, frog, maraca, mini bell, tamborine, train whistle, wooden ratchet; Ben Verdier: bass; John Ewing: drums and percussion. Special Guests: Lalo Bello: congas, bongos, mini maracas, shekere; Bron Journey: harp
Album information
Title: Do This! | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Monktail Records