Wide-Eyed Lounge Cats: The Watermelon Sessions

Originally developing from rock music, jam bands have become a unique genre of music. Considering the improvised nature of the music, it is hardly surprising that many jazz artists have become major players in the jam base. Groups such as Snarky Puppy and Medeski Martin & Wood have embraced the genre while keeping true to their jazz roots; Baltimore's Wide-Eyed Lounge Cats is also no exception. Although firmly rooted in jazz, the group also incorporates some of the jam band spirit. Their third album, The Watermelon Sessions, offers a tasty blend of jazz with elements of jam bands.

When it comes to music, the word lounge often evokes images of lush instrumental arrangements of popular standards. Judging from the name of the band, it might be tempting to assume that this is something of a novelty band. However, that is certainly not the case. The Wide-Eyed Lounge Cats are far from the polyester-clad crooners generally associated with lounge cats. These are some serious performers whose music resonates with listeners on several different levels.

For most jam bands, the group dynamics are essential. There needs to be good chemistry among the players to take the music to a higher level. The Wide-Eyed Lounge Cats certainly have the necessary group dynamics. The band features Christian Ventimiglia on guitar and vocals, Tore Dalaker on guitar, Ben Graham-Putter on drums, Ryan Comstock on alto saxophone, Reggie Stiteler on bass, and percussionist Chris Peacock. They are all talented musicians who enjoy playing together.

The album opens with "Love Lost on a Bar Napkin," which offers a cool groove with bittersweet lyrics which invite the listener to witness the interaction between the characters. This song sets the tone for the rest of the album. Although mostly instrumental, there is a certain storytelling quality to the compositions. The music opens up the imagination and takes listeners on a musical journey that is filled with plenty of satisfying jams and excellent musicianship.

The selections on The Watermelon Sessions elicit various emotions. There is a good deal of underlying humor, but there is also an equal amount of artistic depth. Much like Steely Dan, the music is at times funky and lighthearted and at other times thought-provoking. For example, take the song "Whisper" which, like Steely Dan's "Home at Last" from Aja (ABC 1978), alludes to Homer's Odyssey.

One of the hallmarks of a memorable album is the impression it leaves after listening. When the songs stick in the memory and a listener goes back for multiple listenings, then it is something special. The Watermelon Sessions is a such a recording. The Wide-Eyed Lounge Cats is an act that deserves attention.