Black Cat Orchestra
Long Shadows At Noon
Yoyo (2003)
www.blackcatorchestra.com

Wow! Another album from this interesting Olympia I-5 corridor alterno-ethnic band! I'd already reviewed their previous CD, Mysteries Explained, so I thought I knew what to expect from Long Shadows At Noon. Interestingly, the album was close to what I expected: a murky reed-brass accented amalgam of steamy, simmering original and historical songs from Balkan, European, and Latin roots, fronted by glass-shattering soprano vocals.

LSAN begins with a boom, with the hustling Balkan rhythms of "Leylim, Leylim," which sounds like Turkish klezmer (?) Unfortunately there are no track notes anywhere, but I'm sure there will be. Singer Jessika Kenney is at her best on this exciting song. Another exciting track is "Ballad Of Mothra," from the Japanese B-Movie of that name. For tango lovers, there are two tangoesques: "Escrivi Um Bilhetinho," trotting along with nice percussion, and the atypically sunny "Persian Gardens Tango.". Along the s..l..o..w side are the grim, inspiring, poppish Turkish songs "Cember" and "Nasil Gecti Habersiz," and the instrumental "Paso Robles" written by band accordionist Kyle Hanson. Included as well are a couple odd novelty numbers.

Though this band of wonderful musicians seems fronted by sax (Scott Granlund)and (french?) horn (Don Crevie), yielding the characteristic dim urban sound, with Lori Goldston's cello responsible for most of the poignant, even maudlin, emotion emitted from the instrument section. In some ways, Hansen's accordion is emotional as well, but it's most important role is being an accordion! Also playing are Emily Marsh on drums, Russ Meltzer on guitar, and Jeff Teitelbaum on bass, as well as some guests.

I really enjoy Black Cat's sepia pre-war euromeows. A few things did get on my nerves after a while, though. Kenney's wire-whip vocals are indeed edgy and fit the band, but like many novelties, there seemed to be too many of them...maybe one of the guys should try singing too? (To be fair, Kenney sometimes sings in more of an alto way). Secondly, I would have preferred more uptempo tracks.

gennett at gorge dot net

The Columbia Gypsy