|
|
 |
CD Review
|
| Click Here to go back. |
Virginia Pilot, CD Review >>
Roots
Hazmat Modine
"Bahamut"
How to describe a band like the New York City-based Hazmat Modine? It's an ensemble that meets American music at Ellis Island.
This ain't your normal roots band. The core group consists of two diatonic harmonica players, two blues/Latin acoustic guitarists, a drummer and a trumpeter, with the bottom handled by the funkiest tuba guy this side of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
The group kicks off its hour-plus international debut with rock-steady Caribbean rhythms. The disc presents many genres. The band waltzes and shuffles through klezmer, gypsy, jug-band, '20s/'30s jazz and pop, vintage soul and Dixieland.
The harps act as a sweet, swinging horn section while the twin guitarists pick out rural blues, African and country riffs. It sounds as if the Squirrel Nut Zippers joined a traveling Eastern European brass band.
Whatever Hazmat Modine creates, it's fun and toe-tappin' while celebrating American music at its African, European and Latin roots. 10/23/06
|
| Click Here to go back. |
|
 |
|
|
|
