King Platypus
Life's a Mess, Let's Dance
© 2006 John Michael and James Harris (783707334707)
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What would happen if James Taylor recorded a remake of Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints, with Los Lobos as his back up band, XTC as his lyricist and Matthew Sweet adding some power-pop harmonies?
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Here is what they're saying about "Life's a Mess, Let's Dance":
Lynn Shurr of ABC News 20/20 (and author of the book America the Beautiful) "It's a great, finger-snapping listen. I gave a speech recently to the New York Historical Society about "America the Beautiful" and I said at the end that it sounded great in Spanish. You're the proof." - 6/16/06.
Charleston Okafor, World Music Director, WCSB, 89.3 FM, Cleveland State University "Your music is sharp and crisp. I love it. People need to hear it. Keep it up." - 4/30/2006.
Our band includes Eileen Tipping, who has performed at the Bethlehem Music Fest and the Concerts Under the Stars. On Dobro and banjo is Ray Duffy, who serves as the house guitarist at the legendary Mermaid Inn, when he’s not playing with the Acoustic Justice League or Tom Gala and the Terraplains. On bass, cello and vocals is Jim Harris, the only member of the Wissahickon String Quartet ever to back up Chuck Berry. Joining us for one special tune is Philly jazz giant Chuck Anderson. Formerly the staff guitarist at the Latin Casino, Chuck now authors books such as The Modular Phonetic Rhythm System.
Out in front is Jake Michael – the guy who sounds like James Taylor – whose ukuleles, cavaquinhos and cuatros, help give the CD its tropical feel. On drums is Daoud Shaw, who co-produced the CD with Jake. Daoud played with the original Saturday Night Live Band and toured with Etta James, Gerry Garcia and Van Morrison. Daoud, who co-produced a few albums with Van, recorded the CD at his studio, Radioactive Productions. Alan Tucker mastered the disc at Foothill Digital in NYC. Tucker’s credits include likes of Burt Bacharach, McCoy Tyner, Gil Evans, Joe Henderson and even KISS.
So, give this funky little independent project a run on you CD player, and see how long it takes before you’re tapping your toes or moving you hips. And after a while, you might come to realize there’s actually a message to this music. The way we see it, you don’t have to be quiet to be in the moment. We hope you’ll agree, that if life is a mess, you might as well say, “Let’s dance.”
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Upbeat-positive engery- I agree-"Life's a Mess Let's Dance"!
author: Pamela GraboyesIt's always been a pleasure to share a music circle or to have Jake Michael (of King Platypus) perform at my Music Festivals.Jake is a reliably skillful musician agilely moving from one instrument to the next.The song"Life's A Mess Let's Dance"stands firm as one of my personal favorites. On the new CD the song takes a new Caribbean twist sending us south of the border to continue the "Dance". I was doing the mambo!Also, included are some favorite covers with new Latin/Brazilian tempos,outstanding harmonies and a serendipity of intruments including some mean cello/bass licks.The final cut"Go to Sleep" offers an excellent mix of similiar flavor including clave,vibraslap & weero percussion accents. Very cool!! My initial reaction listening to the CD was one of surprise hearing a new twist to what I know as "Jake's music"Got past that quick and moved into sharing his latest musical stretch. It's very obvious all the personell had a joyful time making this production. My favorite CD moment????Putting the top down on my convertible on a beautiful day and cranking the CD player to 10. Thanks for the music! Pamela Graboyes Producer of "The Graboyes Music Festival" and event coordinator
Sounds like the band enjoyed making it, so it's easy to enjoy!
author: David CantorFrom the Caribbean-rhythm romp of the title/opening track through the galloping Gotta Make Hay through the band's unique take on This Land Is Your Land and America the Beautiful, Life's a Mess, Let's Dance keeps your foot bouncing -- if you don't happen to be dancing. Excellent songwriting by Jake Michael and Jim Harris -- eight of the 12 tracks are original. Fine background vocals, many of them by Eileen Tipping. Daoud Shaw's drums and Jim Harris's cello adding excitement all the way through. Eclectic but not chaotic -- truly worth getting to know!
- author: Jessie
Love the CD Jake - you have a wonderful voice.
- author: BH
You guys are great - thanks for making this fun, booty-shakin', smile makin' music.
worth a listen--really fun!
author: juanitaIt looks as though my first review didn't post, so trying again-- Love the steel drums opening the title tune, which is such a fun song I feel happy when I listen. Cool, quirky covers of standards like My Favorite Things, and intriguing original stuff too--good lyrics, fun arrangements. Good mix and produciton sound on the cd, too. Listen and enjoy.