 |
THE LO FABER BAND
Henry's House (6 Feet Of Snow Music)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale
Although dozens of bands continue to draw thousands of fans all over the country, it hasn't been all good news for the jam band world in recent years. Jerry's dead, Phish is on hiatus and some of the best second generation jam bands, including God Street Wine and the Ominous Seapods, have broken up. It's enough to make you comb out your dreadlocks.
On the other hand, God Street Wine frontman has a new band, featuring three members of the Seapods (guitarist Todd Pasternak, bassist Top Pirozzi and drummer Ted Marotta) and they're on the road to support a new double album, Henry's House, which is nothing less than the first jam band rock opera. Time to break out the tie dye T's and twirly skirts kids. Jam band music is alive and well.
After the members of God Street Wine went their separate ways, Faber's songwriting seemed to have come to an end as well. In order to call down his muse, he started crafting a story around which he could build new tunes. He's perfectly aware of the pretentious nature of the "rock opera" concept, and treats the whole thing with his tongue appropriately planted in his cheek. The story itself is a simple one, a fairy tale of sorts, and at this point the songs are being dispersed into his live shows with no immediate plans for a straight through dramatic presentation, though he doesn't fully discount the future possibility. There are some great songs here, though, and some incredible instrumental interplay, which is natural given the strong pedigree of the players.
One member of the band who will be unfamiliar to most listeners, because she's never worked in any rock related genre before, is vocalist Angela Ford, whose performance background, appropriately, has been limited to the opera stage. For those who wonder whether opera singers might harbor rock chops somewhere within, Ford eliminates any doubts.
Lo Faber started writing Henry's House to make songwriting fun again. He's ended up with an album that makes rock listening as much fun as it's ever been, and a band that holds promise of being one of the greatest in the jam band genre. It's a great entertainment for a long winter's night.
Track Lists:
Disc One: Volcano Boy * When We Were Very Young * Roll Call * Riding North In A VW Bus * Cinnamon Tea * Those Damn Kids * Morning Teacher Tess * Magic Days * Hey Henry * Sardines * Crafty Fox's Super Song And Dance
Disc Two: Smile The Yellow Sun * Snappercrackers * In Green Waters * Hey Henry (Part 2) * It Starts With A Kiss * Sneaky Jack * Tess, You Should'na Done Me Wrong * Miracle Time * The Free Kids Shimmy Shake * Slipstreams/Henry You're The Man * Closing Theme
© 2001 - Shaun Dale