[atlantaprog] The Owl's Schizoid Band Review

To say this Owl had his plumage blown off last night (4/23/2004) would be an 
understatement!  

As the lights dimmed and the "Schizoid Intro" song played on the PA, our five 
musicians unassumingly walked onstage and proceeded to tear into "A Man, A 
City" (aka Pictures of a City)with a ferocity that defied their years. The twin 
saxes of Ian McDonald (alto) and Mel Collins (a growly, cavernous baritone) 
added a gritty menace as Jakko Jakszyk not only channeled 1970-era Fripp but 
really made it his own to boot. Drummer Ian Wallace was a powerhouse throughout 
the night putting forth the right mix of ferocity and intricacy with a great 
ear for detail. The rapid fire unison passages were no match for their 
passionate musicianship and obvious love for the long-neglected '69 to '72 
Crimson songbook. 

The hilariously demented "Cat Food" was next, with Ian McDonald doing his 
darndest to get those "laughing piano" figures across that were so essential to 
the original. Jakko had the unenviable task of not only reinterpreting Fripp's 
turn on a dime parts but also SINGING the fiendish melody lines. I dare say he 
rose to the challenge quite beautifully. Everyone looked like they wer really 
enjoying themselves attacking this "Beatles meets Cecil Taylor"-like bit of 
musical black comedy. A dissonant Ian McDonald ballad "Let There be Light (from 
his "Driver's Eyes" CD) followed, not bad actually, kind of begged for Paul 
McCartney to sing on it the more I think about it. Next up, the chilling 
"Cirkus" (from Lizard) had my jaw dropping in amazement with its mix of fragile 
beauty and horrific menace. Jakko's vocals here easily blew Gordon Haskell's 
away and the song really did come to life, one of the evening's best moments 
for me. Jakko, Ian Mac and Mel picked up flutes and played a 
 cleverly
 arranged intro piece that led into "Cadence and Cascade". "In The Court of The 
Crimson King" was delivered with a majesty and ferocity easily matching the 
original studio version or even surpassing it. "Ladies OF The Road" that ever 
ribald black sheep of the Crimso catalog got a good thrashing. If it weren't 
for the obnoxiously sexist lyrics this would be an even more enjoyable Crimso 
piece for me. But even as I did my best to tune out the words (which ain't 
easy), the music revealed a rather mutated take on the blues filtered through 
Stravinsky. "Catley's Ashes" was a pleasantly soaring instrumental piece by 
Jakko which the band obviously enjoyed playing. Bassist Peter Giles, providing 
solid and tasty bass work stepped out front briefly and did a beautiful chordal 
piece on his Fender Jazz bass which led into "Formentera Lady". What surprised 
me was how much I liked this piece! To be honest, I actually did NOT like the 
original "Islands" version as it rather lazily wafted al
 ong with
 Boz's inept singing and lack of momentum. Here, it really came to life, as the 
song was given TEETH, far superior vocals and edited to just the right length, 
towards the end, Jakko did some very tasty wordless vocal flourishes as Mel 
Collins spun melodic gems from his tenor sax that really drew you in. This led 
into my other highlight of the night, "Sailor's Tale", retaining all the 
violence, menace and ferocity that made the original so cool. Peter Giles and 
Ian Wallace really kicked it into high gear as Ian Mac and Mel provided the 
eerie string and ominous brass backdrops, plus Mel investing the tune with some 
great Ornette Coleman-inspired alto sax early on. Jakko was having a blast with 
this one for sure as he attacked his guitar as though he had five minutes to 
live. 

The last 3 numbers, "I Talk To The Wind", Epitaph" and "21st Century Schizoid 
Man" enjoyed renewed life with passionate, committed playing from everyone. 

They encored with a heart-wrenching version of "Starless" and concluded with 
the McDonald & Giles piece "Birdman" which had a vaguely lullabye-like quality 
to it, sort of like tucking in their audience to bed after it had been 
terrified half-out of its wits at times. 

If you love 70's vintage Crimson, you MUST see this band! They're way better 
than a cover or tribute band, they OWNED these songs! As the band signed my 
poster after the show, I made it a point to thank all of them for bringing this 
great music back to life and messing me up for life at age 15 in the best 
possible way!  




Hoo Hoooo  Hoo Hoooooo

Phil

http://www.geocities.com/theowlwatches

 

 



                
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