Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Big Head Todd and the Monsters: Black Beehive

5

Big Head Todd and the Monsters: Black Beehive

By

Sign in to view read count
Big Head Todd and the Monsters: Black Beehive
Big Head Todd & The Monsters have maintained a solid and occasionally high profile since their formation in 1986. Regular studio and road work has produced a fairly extensive discography of albums and DVD's as well as authorized concert recordings, including their previous project under the pseudonym Big Head Blues Club, 100 Years of Robert Johnson, the flavor and style of which tribute to the seminal bluesman Robert Johnson carries over to Black Beehive.

Produced by Steve Jordan, a musician of no little cache himself, having worked with Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and John Mayer among others (in addition to compiling a noteworthy resume of session credits), this is one of BHTM's more inspired works, quite likely due to the aforementioned touch-point with their roots. All original material from guitarist/vocalist Todd Park Mohr features instrumental accents beyond the core quartet including steel guitar and harmonica that decorates the understated shuffle of "Travellin' Light" and, as with the crisp piano dominating the title song, reflects nuances of the songs as well as the solid if unexciting musicianship that radiates the group's gusto for their music.

The opener "Hey Delila" sets the tone for the album with sly bluesy touches emphasized by contrast with acoustic guitars. Similar folk influences form the primary source of style for "Everything About You," and the quiet closing of "Forever Bonnie," suggesting an unplugged approach would suit Big Head Todd and The Monsters without sacrificing the style they've nurtured, except perhaps the guitar heroics of the leader that take over the middle of this cut.

The dirty riffing of "Seven State Lines' exemplifies Jordan's production touch because it's such a change of pace from its predecessor and the pop structured "Josephine" that follows; Mohr's got an inviting voice in and of itself and, like his main role model Eric Clapton, he's become a more interesting singer over time, so much so, that his vocals are almost as much of an attraction as his guitar playing and a bonafide virtue as Black Beehive unfolds.

The unity of the band serves well the compact clean tracks, though a single cut with extended improvisation would elevate the impact of the record. The relish BHTM bring to what they do is out of proportion to its emotional depth otherwise, especially noticeable on overt personal statements the like of "We Won't Go Back" or the topical "Fear Greed and Ignorance," where percussion lightens the self-consciously portentous mood.

More stylists than innovators, Big Head Todd & The Monsters nevertheless continue to prove loyal to their muse, almost relentlessly so. As a result, while it's hard to truly love Black Beehive, it's virtually impossible not to like it largely because of the band's commitment to their craft.

Track Listing

Hey Delila; Everything About You; Seven State Lines Josephina; Black Beehive; We Won't Go Back; Fear, Greed and Ignorance; Hubert's Dream; I Get Smooth; Travellin' Light; ​Forever Bonnie.

Personnel

Todd Park Mohr: vocals, guitar; Rob Squires: bass; Brian Nevin: drums; Jeremy Levin: keyboards, pedal steel; Ronnie Baker Brooks: guitar; Eddie Shaw: harmonica, saxophone; Steve Jordan: guitar, drums, percussion, backing vocals.

Album information

Title: Black Beehive | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Shout! Factory

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near Burlington
Jazz Near Burlington
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.