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Sasha Masakowski & the Sidewalk Strutters: Old Green River
BySomewhere between these two recordings lay Masakowski's debut project: Sasha Masakowski and Musical Playground Wishes (Hypersoul, 2011). The present Old Green River is a brilliantly lo-fi, quickly recorded, thoroughly inspired performance of "old timey" music by a tightly focused ensemble, well, as tightly focused as could be coming off a Mardi Gras bender.
Pronounced in the mix are guitarist Russell Welch and trombonist Colin Meyers. Together, they comprise the rhythm and solo soul of the recording. Welch plays an infectious brand of Hot Club guitar crossed with a slightly sharp miniature guitar. Meyers' trombone is beautifully fragrant and boozy. Drummer Paul Thibodeaux appropriately lays down the necessary NOLA shuffle beat which is de rigueur for this reagions music. Masakowski's father, Martin round things out playing bass and nailing down all four corners of the music.
That said, front and center is Sasha Masakowski, who embraces these old songs with a cheerful fervor and dedication. She nearly purrs her way through "Until the Real Thing Comes Along" and the definitive "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." She reprises "St. James Infirmary" from Wishes in a more stripped down basic version as close to gutbucket as we get on this disc. Masakowski and her surrounding musicians are a bottomless loam of joy, surprise, and inspiration.
Track Listing
Old Green River; Wait Till the Sun shines Nelly; Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho; Until the Real Thing Comes Along; Lucky Little Devil; Russian Lullaby; I’m Getting Sentimental Over You; Too Bad; Les Oignons; Daddy Won’t You Please Come Home; St. James Infirmary.
Personnel
Sasha Masakowski
vocalsSasha Masakowski: vocals; Colin Meyers: trombone, vocals, slide whistle; Russell Welch: guitar; Paul Thibodeaux: drums; Martin Masakowski: bass, slide whistle.
Album information
Title: Old Green River | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Sasha Masakowski
Instrument: Vocals
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