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The Ed Palermo Big Band: Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance
ByI recommend listening with an open mind. One doesn't necessarily have to be a devoted FZ listeneror even profess familiarity with the original musicto appreciate or understand Ed Palermo's arrangements. Although Zappa's unique style and twist in moods is present in each of the tracks, Palermo's own palette of colors shines through. "RDNZL, for example, is like a rollercoaster taking the listener down and up a variety of big band jazz-infused moments, while flirting with its rock 'n' roll heritage.
Palermo sometimes strips Zappa's music from its lyrics, so whatever story there's left to tell, Palermo has to make his arrangements work twice as hard to get the job done. His musicians really pull it off, although one might hope for a little more of the dynamics and vibrant energy usually present during live performances. "Gumbo Variations sure sounds danceable enough, but it seems to lack a little in speed and passion to really set things on fire. It's the restriction of listening to recorded music. All the more reason to catch this bunch in live performance.
Besides the whack, the humor and the intricate ingredients Zappa was known for, Palermo added a touch of melancholy and sensitive awareness one wouldn't ascribe to the genius of his hero.
Track Listing
RDNZL; Take your Clothes Off When You Dance; Dwarf Nebula Processional March & Dwarf Nebula; Pound For A Brown On The Bus; Sleep Dirt; Gumbo Variations; Mom And Dad/Oh No; Moggio.
Personnel
Ed Palermo
saxophonePaul Adamy: electric bass; Bob Quaranta: piano; Ray Marchica: drums; Ted Kooshian: Kurzweil; Cliff Lyons: alto saxophone, clarinet; Phil Chester: alto & soprano saxophones, flute, piccolo; Bill Straub: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Ben Kono: tenor saxophone, flute; Barbara Cifelli: baritone saxophone; Charles Gordon: trombone; Joe Fiedler: trombone; Matt Ingman: bass trombone; Ronnie Buttacavoli: trumpet; John Hines: trumpet; Carl Restivo: vocals, guitar; Ed Palermo: arranger, alto saxophone.
Album information
Title: Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records
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