Bonerama: Shake It Baby

Bonerama is fun. Bonerama is powerful. And in their first full-length studio CD, they have made a switch from their previous live recordings of brass-infused funk to brass infused-rock. Along with the ever present trio of trombones, the bands guitarist, Bert Cotton, has stepped up to the front line to become a major player with his robust rock licks. Backed by some talented friends who have joined the party on this album, including Dr John, Dave Malone, and George Porter Jr., founding members Mark Mullins and Craig Klein have stretched into more vocal arrangements in this collection than on previous recordings. And, along with fellow trombonist Greg Hicks, they have not forgotten their roots as they supply the brass wall of sound that defines Bonerama.

Tunes on this CD range from the fun and whimsical "I'm Lost" and "I Don't Wanna Play Guitar" —with Mullins playing his signature electric trombone and the Mullins and Klein children singing background vocals—to the finale cover of Jimi Hendrix "Manic Depression" where the Bonerama horns show the power of three trombones, backed up by Cotton's screaming guitar and Joe Ashlar ripping it up on the organ. A great classic rock ending to their new sound.

In between, there are standout tunes including "Look Out Lonely" that features REM singer Mike Mills on a mellow vocal with The Radiators Malone adding a strong guitar solo. All of the stars join in on the classic New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tune "Indian Red" with The Meters Porter on bass, Malone on guitar, and Mills and Dr. John contributing to the vocals. It is a strong rendition to a tune loved by the city and its Indian tradition. Traditional Bonerama fans will enjoy the danceable and grooving sound of "What You See" with its commanding horns, and the reggae-infused cover of Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew "Let The Four Winds Blow."

Bonerama's new sound is not so much a new direction as it is a new dimension—an added layer to the traditional funk infused tunes and New Orleans classics they are known for in the city that loves them dearly. It is a welcome addition to the repertoire that has made these fine musicians a sought after club and festival band that pulls audiences out of their chairs as they take over their bodies with music that makes them dance. Bonerama takes its name from a play on panorama—a wide view of an extensive area in all directions. This new CD leaves no doubt that this band can play an extensive area in all directions. And they do it well.