Fred Litwin must be a very brave man. How else to explain his apparent disregard for commercial appeal when choosing the projects that make it onto NorthernBlues, the label he launched a few years back?
Case in point, the debut from Toronto's Taxi Chain. Utterly unlike anything you've ever heard, "Smarten Up!" isn't the kind of disc that has the accountants salivating over projected sales figures; recordings that feature 'lead bagpipes' are rarely found at the top of the charts.
Yet while it won't appeal to all tastes, "Listen Up" is an utter delight. Don't expect any blues, though.
Things start out conventionally enough. "Memphis" rides a sultry groove in keeping with its namesake, driven by wheezing B3 as chief vocalist, songwriter, and creative force Grier Coppins itemizes the many musical landmarks and the myths that contribute to the city's mystique. But the title tune that follows - the only song Coppins didn't write - combines jig and reel and features tin whistle, bagpipes, and fiddle. It's little preparation for what comes next, though, as an instantly identifiable and irresistibly funky riff courtesy of the Godfather himself veers into uncharted territory on "James Brown Ate My Bagpipe." When's the last time you heard the eerie wail of highland bagpipes accented by punchy saxophone?
The breezy bounce of "Cut Me A Key" contrasts nicely with the detached irony Coppins' often employs in his lyrics. "Buck A Joy" is much the same, though this time the twist is an almost gospel-like chorus. By now it's apparent nothing delights Taxi Chain as much as throwing as many ideas as possible into the pot and seeing what comes about. Hence "Tandoori Mustache," a virtually indescribable hodgepodge of influences with instrumentation that includes more bagpipes, more sax, as well as mandolin, tenor banjo, and viola. Adventurous, to be sure; whether it's successful or not is rather subjective and will depend on your own appreciation of musical exploration. "It's Your Birthday" once again reveals Coppins' love of wry detachment set against bubbly grooves. "Zimbobby," another instrumental, starts with Scottish-sounding pipes, increases in intensity as it morphs into a loose jam, then suddenly takes a breather for a bit of pure jazz with seductive sax before once again building to a powerful climax. Proceedings end with a reprise of Memphis, again featuring fine organ work by guest Mark Wessenger. With this one accented only by Coppins' keening moans, it's both familiar and adventurous, and a nice way to bring things full circle
Recordings were casual, with listed locations including "Darryl Beebe's living room" and "Mark Wessenger's uncle's basement." But while the sound may be a little less crisp than a typical big-budget project, there's an ambiance and natural warmth that's infinitely more appealing. Performances are fine throughout, though technical razzle dazzle really isn't what Taxi Chain are all about. And really, how many of us have much of a basis for comparison when it comes to the bagpipes or the tine whistle anyway?
Definitely not for those whose tastes are fixed firmly in place, but if you're adventurous (and, let's be honest, if you like the sound of bagpipes), "Smarten Up!" is a fascinating and rewarding listen.
NorthernBlues Music, Inc.
225 Sterling Road, Unit 19, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6R 2B2
Phone: 866-540-0003
Fax: 416-536-1494
E-Mail: info@northernblues.com
Web : www.northernblues.com
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