JOHNNY "BOWTIE" BARSTOW: A Bowtie Christmas And More

Johnny "Bowtie" Barstow

A Bowtie Christmas And More

© 2004 Larry Goldings/Sticky Mack Records (616892625520)

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Bizarre and hilarious vocal interpretations of Christmas music and American popular song. Great for the entire family. Produced by Larry Goldings.

tracks

1 Joy To The World
2 Jingle Bells
3 The First Noel
4 Deck The Halls
5 O Come All Ye Faithful
6 Winter Wonderland
7 Do You Hear What I Hear?
8 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
9 Silent Night
10 Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
11 Mack The Knife
12 Blue Skies
13 Thou Swell
14 If I Only Had A Heart
15 Fascinating Rhythm
16 In The Mood
17 Oh Danny Boy
18 On The Sunny Side Of The Street
19 Put Your Arms Around Me Honey
20 The Girl From Ipanema
21 Has Anybody Seen My Gal?
22 I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
23 As Time Goes By
24 Blue Skies

notes

"...Keyboardist Larry Goldings, known for his work with John Scofield and Madeleine Peyroux, as well as his ongoing cooperative trio with Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart, discovered Bowtie performing at New York's The Angry Squire's open mic night in the early 1990s. Immediately stricken by Bowtie's distinctive approach to the Great American Songbook, he made the decision that Bowtie, an artist sadly overlooked by a visionless music industry, demanded documentation. Over the course of two years, Goldings recorded Bowtie at his home studio, the result being "A Bowtie Christmas and More" - an album of holiday music and timeless standards thats sure to set the hairs on the neck of the most discerning listener at full attention....

...Bending pitch and time in ways rarely heard on record....
Unquestionably the most challenging Christmas album ever recorded, "A 'Bowtie' Christmas and More" raises the bar, forcing the serious listener to question every musical value he or she holds dear.......

....Every now and then an artist emerges whose vision is so unique that it creates an entirely new musical paradigm. Stretching the realm of technique by introducing harmonic or rhythmic contexts far removed from the norm, they’re often unappreciated in their time, but the passage of years can ultimately bring recognition for their genius. Ornette Coleman was one such artist. Now we have singer Johnny “Bowtie” Barstow....."

- John Kelman, allaboutjazz


Here's what fans are saying...

"In art, there are painters with a style so distinctive that one can merely take a look at the corner of the canvas & immediately identify the creator by the style of his brushstroke. Much is the same in music: one note of Miles Davis' muted trumpet and you know right away. Bowtie is such an artist, with a sound and style so distinctive; that phrasing, those notes-it can only be Bowtie".

- Will Lee (electric bassist, singer)

"When I hear Over The Rainbow, I think of Judy Garland. When I hear Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, I think of Marilyn Monroe. And in the future, when I hear The First Noel, I shall think of Bowtie. He has made it his own - and that goes for anything he sings."
- Richard Rodney Bennett (Composer, Performer)

"Accompanying John Barstow is a unique challenge and one that I welcome."
- Bill Stewart (Drummer, Composer)

"I recorded one session featuring Bowtie backed by The Larry Goldings Trio. All I can say is...this hep cat makes you think you're hearing your favorite old tune for the very first time...crazy, man, crazy."
- James Farber (Recording Engineer)

reviews

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  • Johnny Bowtie Barstow - Christmas and More
    author: Elizabeth Hauk

    Who could have guessed just how impressive Bowtie's musings on old classics could be? I first heard some selections on Jim Naylor's Annoying Music Show, but nothing prepared me for the exquisite and unusual way Bowtie interprets these songs. This is TRULY a must for all holiday gatherings . . . and anytime in between!

  • Johnny Bowtie Barstow
    author: Robert Lyon

    Is it art? Maybe. It sure got the in-laws out of my house in a hurry! Thank You

  • A StunninA Stunning Musical Assaultg Musical Assault
    author: Peter Mack

    I was truly moved by Johnnie Bowtie Barstow’ interpretations, so moved in fact that I felt compelled to go to my garage, get my chain saw, and cut down the beautiful 107 year old oak tree in my front yard. I don’t know why, but it seemed like the most appropriate thing to do..

  • Odd, funny and entertaining
    author: David

    If you could combine Tom Waits, Charles Manson and a lounge singer, you would have Bowtie! Made me laugh and provided hours of "unfettered" entertainment over visiting my brother-in-law's family up in Seattle over Christmas, too. We were all singing along...

  • No serious music collector can be without this CD.
    author: The Mad Poet

    This CD is one of the brightest stars in the outsider music constellation; it shines alongside such luminary classics as The Shaggs' "Philosphy of the World," Lucia Pamela's "Into Outer Space," T. Valentine's "Hello Lucille Are You A Lesbian," and of course the body of Daniel Johnston's work. No serious music collector can be without it.

  • author: Dirk Burhans

    I am a competent, if average, semi-professional musician who has played hundreds of live shows, but I will never make music as wonderful as this. This is like a combination of folk art and the avant garde, like a primitive painter who ends up working with the same problems in flattened abstract space as a Matisse or a DeKooning. Just awesome (and funny as well).

  • F*#@ing Brilliant!
    author: Mack McMac

    Dear God, "Girl from Ipanema" sounded so refreshing. This is glorious music. Now I know how a cow feels right before slaughter, when that big whack to the head hits him. That's what Mr.Bowtie did to me.

  • I think you need this
    author: philoc

    Johnny Barstow is the summation of all that is good in the studies of music. They can't teach you to do it like this in the conservatory experience. Too bad Larry can't keep up with the adventuresome nature of Johnny boy. Perhaps, Hans Groiner could have been more adept at the ever swiftly moving changes in the tunes. Deck the halls is CHOICE. No clarinet alive has the spirit necessary to embody the blend required by the vocal.........................

  • Never heard anything like it
    author: Sam

    His interpretations of these timeless classics are remarkable, indeed. Not a CD for the "serious" musician, however, unless you enjoy music by Monty Python, Weird Al, and others that fall in this similar genre. "Bowtie" is so unique you'll have tears in your eyes!

  • MustHave
    author: BenFromHolland

    Give this cd this cd to all your friends this Xmas!! It's a must-have!!

  • It's outstanding.
    author: Jim Lukas

    The variety of songs on the CD is great. I heard parts of it on Jim Nayder's (sp) music program out of Chicago. Girl from Ipanema and Danny Boy are outstanding.

  • You've never heard anthing like it, I guarantee you.
    author: Phil Person

    I first heard the sound bites on this site & couldn't get enough. I wept when I heard Danny Boy. Bowtie's sense of rhythm & pitch are centuries ahead of anything we can comprehend. You've never heard anything like it, I guarentee you. Kudos to Larry Goldings & the other players for doing an amazing job accompanying him. He's the best singer I've heard since Mrs. Miller.

  • Unbelieveable!
    author: MusicianNY

    the most awesome CD you'll ever hear.a classic.i recommend it to anyone who's ever listened to music.it will bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes. long live johnny bowtie barstow.

  • Johnny "Bowtie" Barstow's singing is absolutly timless!!!!
    author: Michael Rinta

    Johnny "Bowtie" Barstow's singing is absolutly timless!!!! I was never into Christmas music until I heard this album. Thank you Johnny "Bowtie" for the joy you have brought into my life.

  • Put on restraints before listening, or at least tape up
    author: Mark Bryn

    to mitigate the possibility of injuring self or others, maybe just hug a large pillow before hitting the Play button. The high psychoacoustic density could result in involuntary spasming in sensitive individuals. Check your medical insurance too, it's best to assure that help can be provided if you cross the threshold. I was gasping for air at the first bridge in Ipanema. Very nearly unbearable tension.

  • Awesome, staggering performance
    author: Chris Lee

    An awesome, staggering performance from Barstow; I laughed till my bones ached. Nothing I have ever heard begins to compare; buy it now.

  • A Gift to Chaos Theorists!!!
    author: Lounge Lizard Beat

    I liken listening to Bowtie to riding a bumper car at the fair - you never know where the next collision is coming from, sometimes there are multiple collisions at once and sometimes it just plain hurts! He's truly a gift to chaos theorists!!

  • WHEW! Dangerous! Raises the bar for us all.
    author: Tom Ervin

    Nothing quite like this. Others may try (just think).

  • Great Holiday CD...for the wrong reasons : )
    author: Christian

    I first heard a couple songs from the The Most Annoying Songs Christmas CD. After we bought that CD, a couple years later, we found we would only listen to the Bowtie songs...so I was on a mission to see if Johnny Bowtie had a CD out, and low and behold I found it here. This CD is great because it will put a smile on your face as you listen to this guy, who can't hold a note to save his life, sing the Christmas classics. So on Christmas Eve, spike that egg nog, put a log on the fire and spin this CD for a laugh. Destined to be a classic...it already is with our family. : )

  • A truly stunning experience
    author: Richard Hertz from Holden

    I can't believe I haven't heard this artistry before. It makes me cry at points, and smile with insatiable glee at others. Truly the most insteresting CD I've heard in some time!

  • author: goober hackett

    I was moved by this cd.......not emotionally.......but I was moved nevertheless! Thank you, Bowtie! I'm cancelling my doctor's appointment!

  • I'd give this CD eight or nine stars if I could!
    author: Steven

    So many choices which truly deserve mention on this CD! In "A Bowtie Christmas", The First Noel, Do You Hear What I Hear and Santa Claus is Coming to Town are particularly fine; in "And More", Barstow's Blue Skies and The Girl From Ipanema are interpretations of sheer genius! All in all: a magnificent compilation of pieces on this CD! Kudos and also to the accompanying musicians, especially Larry Goldings on keyboards. Goldings is an unusually sensitive accompanist whose ability to follow the soloist has no equal. (I also sent this CD to my sister, who is a trained concert singer: she RAVED about the performances!)

  • It's like Jazz for Jazz
    author: John Ford

    Artfully done by everyone involved, these performances are not unlike Jazz music for Jazz music. If you've ever wondered what Sinatra would have sounded like on acid and unencumbered by limitations of the time-space continuum, this might fit the bill. I thought my wife was going to kill me when I played it on the stereo...

  • A must-have for Christmas and crooner fans!
    author: Ron Mills Orchestra

    A stellar performance by the artiste and the rhythm section. All the tracks demonstrate a passion not often heard or seen in this business. As a full-time musician, I recognize the challenge and success of this project. My hat and bowtie are off to you!

  • Still reeling from the performance...
    author: Allan

    I have always considered my having perfect pitch a mixed blessing, but this CD has provided a new insight about that. The song selection is quite traditional, but not the interpretation. This CD brings a new vitality, unencumbered by the conventions and fetters of key and time signatures. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to accompany many singers (some approaching this calibre), and I can assure you that those who were privileged to perform the backup on this CD had be somewhat intimidated by the challenge of such a unique and avant-garde performer. They didn't miss a beat, although I'm sure that's because they were always on the lookout for them. Kudos!

  • Overwhelmingly entertaining!!!! ALL my musician friends stand open mouthed in am
    author: Chris Zerges

    If you want your friends to have something to talk about at your Christmas party, this is the cd to get the conversation started! I love it. Just when I thought I had heard every possible take on the standard Christmas rep. Bowtie comes along and knocks me for a loop.

  • Hats off, gentlemen -- this is a MASTERPIECE!
    author: Mark

    I'm a trained classical musician, and it took me NINE MONTHS to learn to sing "Do You Hear What I Hear" in the way which Mr. Barstow sang so effortlessly! This CD is destined to become a collector's item -- a true classic!

  • Stunning.
    author: Dave from Chicago

    This CD is stunning. Bowtie would bring a tear to a glass eye. You won't believe what you're hearing!

  • truly amziing..and worth the purchase!!
    author: Stew Pendus

    When Johnny sings, "Do you hear what I hear?", you know that the answer is, "I hope not!". Really great!!

  • Bowtie Barstow brings a whole new meaning to Holiday CHEER!!!
    author: Benjamin Reaves

    Christmas and more is just that! It is Christmas splendor, holiday cheer, wondrous love, beautiful imagery of a far away world of Christmas perfection. A masterful work of art by this musical visionary. My soul yearns to be drifting along this sea of sound waves to a Winter Wonderland of JOY!

  • This CD is a living connection to the wonderment of the holidays!
    author: Jason Weathers

    Certain talents transcend this ethereal world and transport the listener to another plane. Bowtie Barstow is such a talent. If anyone has ever doubted the mystery and wonderment of the holiday season, all they need to do is to listen to "A Bowtie Christmas". Never has this listener been moved to tears so quickly. The deep emotion of Barstow's interpretations of holiday classics (and more) wrap around the soul like a warm blanket. Let Barstow be the musical marshmallow to your holiday cocoa!

  • author: Tom Mallon

    As a snail is to an elephant so is Pavarotti to Johnny "Bowtie" Barstow. I thank the god giver Prometheus for providing man with the technology that makes this recording possible. And thank my friend Jay for the link to this recording which has forever awakened me from my slovenly sleep of mediocrity, to provide order once again to my listening ear. Bless you Johnny Bowtie for this gift.

  • Timeless and more!
    author: George Naha

    This truly is a timeless recording. It is also quite often tuneless! Johnny bravely leads the musicians through his personal musical minefield, and they make it through with almost all of their limbs intact. Wonderful! I understand that these tracks were recorded using 2 inch Kevlar tape, and I think it was a wise choice for capturing Bowtie's purity of essence.

  • Bowtie is Awesome but deserves much better backing
    author: John Beasley

    Wow, Johnny sings with such grace and truly is the actor within the song. Check out Danny Boy. Exciting use of altenate melody and forward phrasing. But to me what keeps this from being a 5 star masterpeice is the musicianship of the backing band...just who are these guys? Bill Stewart continuely drops beats and seems to fill in just the spots that Bowtie wants to explore. I hear that Johnny is a wicked pianist, cant wait for a piano and voice CD from the maestro !

  • My world has somehow changed colors.
    author: Ricky Peterson

    The only true response to this musical journey is a moment of silence. Christmas came early, this is truly a gift.

  • Emotional Rollercoaster Ride.
    author: Drew Smoller

    I am lifted to the heavens and dashed upon the rocks below -- it is an emotional rollercoaster ride that leaves me spent and satisfied. Now I need a smoke!

  • A rare stylist....with potential...
    author: John Jensen

    It's rare to hear such a unique and original stylist...one who doesn't allow his creative impulse to be stifled by the usual constraints of melody, rhythm and taste. Bowtie should go far....here's hoping he does!

  • WOW!!
    author: Steve Prosser

    5 stars doesn't really say it all, does it? Not since Larry "Wildman" Fischer came on the scene has there been an artist emerge with such a truly distinctive style. And to record Christmas music and release it now was a bit of genius by Bowtie. Buy this CD before the inevitable mad rush of Christmas CDs, because once you hear Bowtie's renderings you won't want to bother with any other. God Bless you Larry for bringing public notice to this great interpreter of the Christmas Songbook. What's next? Gershwin? Porter? Berlin? Paris?

  • UNREAL!!
    author: Schilke B6

    Not many people know the lyrics to "In The Mood"...and the one ones that do cannot pull them off the Johnny!!! He's the best!!!!

  • Amazing technique and talent!!
    author: AR from Spain

    I really enjoy the version of The Girl from Ipanema. It's a really great choice and the performance on the bridge is awesome (specially the usage of rhytmic displacement and intonation). We need more artists like you!!

  • loved it.
    author: Joe Blow, from Idaho

    you sir, are the cat's meow. I wan't you to perform at my divorce party. congratulations on your recording. you are truly a genious. William Hung ain't got nothin' on you.

  • So many notes targeted.....such unique tonal delivery.....
    author: Greg Pittman

    Bowtie throws out all the rules on this limited edition release; the time signatures, point and counterpoint, the liberal dissonance, and BOTH of the key signatures found in every song - one for Bowtie, and another, usually 1/2 step up from bowtie, reserved for the accompanist or backing orchestra. This must be what God means when he tells us to Make A Joyful Noise. There simply are no words...... Worthy of a feature focus in the editorial section, I think.

  • Joyous, Joyous...
    author: GW

    After too long a long wait, it is finally here! Immerse yourself in this CD for almost Zen-like experience. I would have wished for a two CD set, not only for more music (of course!), but for the separation of Christmas and popular selections. And, if I had to quibble, I would say that Mr. Barstow pulls his punches a bit in "Danny Boy"; I would have liked to hear him reach for the stars. But, an amazing experience, and well deserving of five stars. Enjoy!

  • Tremendous!
    author: Kirik Jenness

    Not since I was in South Africa have I heard such raw feeling put forth through words set to music. I will definitely look into it. Tremendous!

  • absolutely horrible, but FUNNY!
    author: A.B.

    Don't buy it if you're looking for a good singer, but if you want comedy value its top notch. The sad thing is I happen to know down the grapevine that he was actually singing seriously.......

  • This recording is a gift from the Gods...
    author: Duncan W. McMillan

    A precious jewel for all the world to adore. Do yourself a favor and a buy your copy today - tell all your friends. The gift that keeps on giving...

  • I laughed! I cried! I nearly died!
    author: Davey Davidson

    I laughed! I cried! I nearly died! Bowtie gives us a fresh interpretation of these classic songs, unfettered by conventional music theory, but in the lounge music vein. Guaranteed to raise a smile!

  • Absolutely extraordinary! Indelibly unforgettable!
    author: Jeff Wahlen

    This compilation of holiday favorites, twisted with just the right humorous touch, is a must own for anyone's Christmas Music collection. I promise, you WILL laugh.

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