Fiery Blues

Fiery Blues

ASIN: B00062IEL4

Editorial Reviews
JazzTimes
"Tony Monaco has managed to become a real master of the B3...with passion and wit...and a refined touch."

Product Description
Master organist Tony Monaco illustrates yet again why he has quickly elevated himself to be one of the best organ players in the world. The success and critical acclaim that Monaco has received over the past two months has been incredible. Comparisons to Jimmy Smith and many other greats have left him holding the jazz organ torch.

Tracks:

In My Little Thatched Hut
I'm In No Mood
Black-Hearted Boy
Bitter Tea
Teach Me Sweetheart
Waiting To Know You
The Vietnamese Telephone Ministry
Oh Sweet Woods
Borneo
Police Sweater Blood Vow
Nevers!
Benton Harbor Blues
Whistle Rhapsody?

Customer Reviews:

A maddening, disjointed affair; go back to the Boat!.......2007-07-05

Fiery Furnaces continue to push the boundaries and explore (fall into?) bizarre moments of strained musicianship crafted by noisy whooshes and arrogant bleeps. Pianos are hammered in sharp rhythms over brisk melodies and long vocal passages are played out backwards for no apparent reason. I didn't understand why people told me that Blueberry Boat would be a difficult listen; I thought it eccentric but accessible. That "difficult" description applies here: the first two times I listened to it, I didn't care for it at all. Even the third time was a pretty mixed affair. And so that's where I remain. Like Boat, it plunges on for too long (some seventy-two minutes, I think), and so it's widespread unevenness might be an asset: trim out the ones that don't work and make a good EP (or if you're adventurous in what you want to hear, a short LP).

Even some of the "good" songs like "Bitter Tea" and "I'm in No Mood" are so unnerving and impenetrable that they're tough to recommend. The two alternate versions of "Nevers" and "Benton Harbor Blues" at the end of the album are both far superior to the original versions. Fans of Boat should probably start with "Teach Me Sweetheart" or "Borneo," two almost mannered and direct songs for them. Non fans may be best served staying far away.

Best cuts: "Benton Harbor Blues Again," "Teach Me Sweetheart," "Borneo," "Nevers Again," "Oh Sweet Words," "Whistle Rhapsody," "Bitter Tea," "I'm in No Mood"

Jarring, Winding, and Saturated Effort Somehow Humanizes Eleanor.......2007-03-07

At this point, it basically goes without saying that the Fiery Furnaces are not for everyone. Last year they felt obligated to push their reputation from "yet another recent eccentric indie band" to "the quintessential recent eccentric indie band" with Rehearsing My Choir, an instant slam dunk into the vault of conceptually fascinating records that are referenced more than they're actually played - right alongside the Flaming Lips' Zaireeka, Dylan's Self Portrait and, dare I recall it, Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music. Even when irritating or unbearable to listen to, these were the sorts of albums over which hardcore music buffs and critics (especially the late, great Lester Bangs) absolutely loved to chit-chat, argue and wage war. The Friedberger siblings' newest creation, Bitter Tea, is neither as alienating as Rehearsing My Choir nor as delectably poppy as their gem-stuffed EP from earlier that same year. It also isn't as deliberate or definitive as their magnum opus, Blueberry Boat (and we really should be glad for that - reproducing that monster would border on self-parody). Instead, it's the first record of theirs that exists comfortably in the context of their prolificacy: jammed with ideas and tricks, easily recognizable in tonality and mood, arguably genius without being undeniably solid.

The roles of each of the siblings have grown more dynamic over the past four years, and while this record certainly coalesces better than the free-for-all that was their last album (winding, impenetrable stories and dialogue from Eleanor and her grandmother backed by haphazard baroque keyboards and a mishmash of studio tinkery from Matthew), the delicate tension between the two remains. Take opener "In My Little Thatched Hut," which clasps the listener's attention instantly with a tumbling bumblebee synth. The track's dizzying momentum dwindles like a jogger being handed a weight when Eleanor's dark, low-register murmur enters. It is, a few seconds in, the first paradox in a record that seems to be grounded in paradox. Eleanor's presence is too substantial and poignant to be mistaken for a goofy caricature acting out loony narratives, trading "course it wasn't long till I caught the croup, dawding on the drizzy deck of my majesty's sloop" for laments that "when I think back on all the wasted years, all the good cheer and all of the charm disappears." But even as Eleanor emerges a more relatable vocalist, Matthew's production antics on the album are his least organic yet.

To the duo's credit, the proverbial "jogger" never collapses, even when they seem to bombard it with contradiction and tortuous song structure. What, for instance, is the point of the single-chord key change at the end of the title track? The easy answer would be to make it an impossible record to ignore, but in the long run Matthew's philosophy on songwriting appears to be "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger." So, to drag the metaphor to its logical extension, a jogger bearing weights is that much more unstoppable. This vibe is mostly apparent early in the record, which is strung together as a veritable romp through a quagmire of electronic gurgles, whirlwinds, spews and blasts. Eclectic, to be sure, and like nothing else in music today, but it all somehow feels oriented in a similar direction. This is the biggest change from the genre-tangled genius of Blueberry Boat, which managed to integrate disparate elements like ragtime, church organs and acoustic blues with disturbing grace; Bitter Tea tends, with a few exceptions ("Oh Sweet Woods" succesfully laces haunting Spanish arpeggios around a "Billie Jean" bassline) to twist bright instrumentation through bizarre melodies, most often evoking the East Asian tonality heard in the theme of "Quay Cur."

Still, the record's cohesive character doesn't render it monotonous. If anything, the initial run of songs is so mottled with ideas that casual listeners might be convinced it's a creative peak. But in terms of sheer listening gratification, it's also the biggest shock to one's system. So to prevent the album from being exhausting as a whole, a handful of songs are wisely stripped down to the basics. And unlike their bluesy-yarn-stoked debut Gallowsbird's Bark, bare-bones no longer implies a rootsy sound - the album's simplest morsels consist of a single, elegant electronic element. Rich dollops and interminable grooves gain a noteworthy presence towards the end, and since these tracks ("Teach Me Sweetheart," "I'm Waiting to Know You," "Nevers" and "Benton Harbor Blues") see the band stopping to smell the roses and letting their ideas speak for themselves without much adornment, they are some of the most soothing, inviting and glorious work the band has ever done, especially for the purposes of winding down the record. The separate versions of "Nevers" and "Benton Harbor Blues" each remove some factor that debatably hinders this effect - an unusual backwards-vocal alternation in the former and some meandering guitars through a squelchy wah-pedal in the latter. The two remixes close the album, so while Bitter Tea may exceed Blueberry Boat temporally, it's 72 minutes that far more listeners will opt to completely sit though.

There's a slew of bands throwing in their two cents about what where music should be heading these days, but even the most prominent prog-pop acts like Deerhoof have become strangely dogmatic about it. Their annual albums are an annual vote for a type of music that, for better or for worse, some people like more than others. Even indie cornerstone bands like Built to Spill are releasing new records that are great, sure, but also superfluous, good summaries of their discographies. It was intense curiosity and exploration, often at the expense of easy encapsulation, that made the likes of David Bowie and Lou Reed the greatest artistic voices. Bitter Tea is a remarkable record, full of great successes and great failures, but more importantly it is completely unprecedented and, in terms of the band's direction, willfully tentative. It's no album of the year, but it's the first of this year that seems to demand listeners to really debate, to take a side. Everyone should hear Bitter Tea, because presumably the Fieries aren't going to be remaking it for the next ten years. Did you just shrug? Defend that position!

Annoyingly pleasant.......2007-02-12

Though the title implies that there will be no sugar, we're firmly rooted in Willy Wonka turf from the get-go in this whizzle hizzle. I seem to have lost my way and I have an intense bellyache, or is it earache? I've met up with my extra-dimensional counterpart and we've just returned from the donut shop, satiated and saturated. I don't know how my hair turned blue but I kind of like it now. I don't know how well it will go over in the interview, though. The other applicants are a randy bunch, molesting their lollipops vigorously with sandpaper tongues, displaying soiled panties while doing scissor kicks -- but my confidence wavers, inflates and inhales like the throat of a motorized chameleon made out of kiwi-flavored jellybeans warning sweet teeth to stay away. This is music in which the listener is entitled to pay attention, then suspend disbelief from a coat hanger in the closet. And then wear suspenders. Suspense enders. Wim Wenders hitting the ketchup bottle. This is full throttle. Seemingly recorded in one take at a Star Trek convention. This is the bone of contention. Phoney tension. Puppy lessons. This is a band that is testing the boundaries of pop music, out on the same limb as Brian Wilson, and bless their souls for that. Soaked in hog fat. Foghat.

A new paradigm.......2006-12-22

When i first sat down and really listened to this album, the first thought that came into my head was, ' I have a new standard by which to judge music.'

Excellent Indie Album.......2006-12-11

The Fiery Furnaces are the best experimental indie rock band out there right now in my opinion. They fuse so many different styles together that it's impossible to push them into one category or corner. Anyone with a open mind should check this album out because it will end up as a must have in your collection. You can stream the whole thing and listen to it on Rhapsody if you have a membership before you buy it.

Average customer rating:

Tony Monaco is Incredible!

Fiery Blues
Tony Monaco
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Deep Blue Bruise
Master Chops "T"
Burnin' Grooves
East to West
New Generation: Paesanos on the New B-3

ASIN: B00062IEL4
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

Goin' To A Meetin'
Everyday I Have The Blues
Greasy Spoon
Mellow Soul
Ashleen
Crosscut Saw
The Hooker
Stormy Monday
All Blues
The Preacher

Album Description

Master organist Tony Monaco illustrates yet again why he has quickly elevated himself to be one of the best organ players in the world. The success and critical acclaim that Monaco has received over the past two months has been incredible. Comparisons to Jimmy Smith and many other greats have left him holding the jazz organ torch.

Customer Reviews:

Tony Monaco is Incredible!.......2005-07-24

I have every CD Tony Monaco has done and have been in live performance with him many times. Tony makes you moan and groan in total ecstacy and is the master of communication to your very heart and soul with the Hammond. He has excellent musicians wailing with him always. Every cut on the Fiery Blues CD is unbelievable with Tony's command of the Hammond and out pouring of soul and expression. Cut #5 Ashleen puts me into orbit and makes me groan with Tony's command of the keyboard and unique way of expressing himself so perfectly that it hurts, in the best way! Every contributing artist on this CD is excellent and a fitting compliment. This CD is a must for all jazz/blues organ lovers! I never heard a Hammond say so much! Tony Monaco rules, you'll love it!

Average customer rating:

Live Performance
Awesome!

Stranger in My House
Cyril Lance
Manufacturer: Dogtalk Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005UKCA
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Tracks:

I Want the Real Thing
I Went Down
Just Not Ready
Hot Tamale Baby
Stranger in My House
Same Thing
Light of this World
When I First Met You
Catfish Pie
Remembering Jon

Album Description

Stranger in My House is an intense brew of American roots music with a strong dose of blues, R&B, New Orleans funk, acid-rock, swing and latin.

Featuring the song-writing and the emotional guitar playing of Cyril Lance coupled with the incredibly soulful vocals of Grammy-Nominee Johnny Neel (Allman Brothers), Stranger in My House will keep you grooving from beginning to end.

In many ways his artistic tribute to one of his most important inspirations, Muddy Waters, Lance has produced and arranged what most consider his best work yet. Gathering the talents of his closest friends from years on the road, Lance captures the intensity and emotion of these live performances.

Starting with Johnny Neel whose experience is a who's who of southern rock and blues (Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes, Dicky Betts, Gov't Mule....), Boston-based Matt Jenson (Ronnie Earle, Johnny Adams...) burns up the Hammond B3 organ and piano, and Chris Carroll on bass and Kelly Pace on drums round out one of the finest blues rythm sections of the south (Bob Margolin, Skeeter Brandon, Pinetop Perkins, Rev. Billy C. Wurtz, Detroit Jr...).

Lance demonstrates his considerable versatility and gutt-bucket approach on slide and electric guitars, lapsteel and acoustic guitar.

If you're into the blues, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf; if you're into Otis Redding, Ray Charles; if you're into the Allman Brothers, Carlos Santana, Johnny Winter, Little Feat; if you're into Jimi Hendrix, Danny Gatton perhaps some Kenny Burrell -- you're sure to love this release.

Customer Reviews:

Live Performance.......2003-09-20

Caught their live act at the 'Empty Glass' in Charleston, WV this summer and thought they were fantastic. Truely a group that enjoys the music they play and the people that enjoy what they do. Never heard of them before that night, but feel that they are my discovery of the the year - make them yours. Cyril penned some great tunes, great musicians all and Chris Carroll has 'the' voice. Looking foward to their next CD or live performance in my travels.

Awesome!.......2001-12-19

This is one of the best blues CDs I've heard in a long time. I can't stop playing it over and over again... Great songwriting and great performances, esp. by Lance and singer Johnny Neel.

Average customer rating:

War/Love Blues

Manufacturer: FurnaceSongs
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAGX1S
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Tracks:

Rood Boy Blues
Terrible Love
March to the Sea
The Floorless Jig
Orphan Song
The Other People's Money Stomp
My Only Love
Down In Flames
Rictus
The Eyes of Others
I Got It All
Teaser Stallion Blues (excerpt)

Average customer rating:

Dont Let It Stop You

Manufacturer: Linda Storey
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAF9NQ
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Don't Let It Stop You
Too Close to a Black Hole
Bluer Today
You Won't Give Me the Time
Oh Daddy
Down on Me
House of Love and Harmony
It's That Easy
Pray
Bandon by the Sea

Average customer rating:

Two Rivers
Ben Murray & Siobhan Quinn
Manufacturer: Rosewood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA6VXS
Release Date: 2005-01-04

Average customer rating:

Heart of the Tribe

Manufacturer: LJ Lawrence and Don Evans
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAK2UG
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Original Sin
Closer To My Fire
Lock On My Door
When Charlie Comes Home
Chain Me Down
Sweet River Dream
Play Me For Your Fool
Walkabout
No Plans
Runnin' From The Rust

Average customer rating:

Out of the Blue
Becky Barksdale
Manufacturer: Bark at the Moon Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009PJX6I
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Tracks:

Make My Move
Bone In Your Back
The Real Thing
To Be Beautiful
Satisfy Me
Out Of The Blue
Come On In And Play
Bulletproof
Goin' Home
Muddy Water
Hipshake
Insurance

Product Description

Track listing: 1) Make My Move, 2) Bone In Your Back, 3) The Real Thing, 4) To Be Beautiful, 5) Satisfy Me, 6) Out of the Blue, 7) Come On In and Play, 8) Bulletproof, 9) Goin' Home, 10) Muddy Water, 11) Hip Shake, 12) Insurance

Average customer rating:

Shallow and Halo
Seka
Manufacturer: Seka
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA7T6Q
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Average customer rating:

Lost in Mississippi

Manufacturer: Trackspotting
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA2T7A
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Uptown Groove
Runnin from Algiers
Evangeline
Diner Dinner I wanna Eat
Trouble
Lenny Bruce
Potion Anyone?
Voodoo Lady
If God dont getcha the Devil will
Radio Salvation
Way Too Funky
Routine Police Stop
Gods Pickpocket
Louisiana Red House
Cajun Casanova
Funkengrueven

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music