Fence Kitchen Beading The Rook CD

Some of the songs are simple and sweet, such as "The Whistle Blows", "Floating" and "Jupiter". There are some perverse twists like the throwaway intro "Introitus" and the faux techno hit "Buzzkill". "Domenic Rom" and "Slim" earn the CD its parental advisory sticker with a bit of good-natured profanity. Woe to the parent who lets their child hear "Domenic Rom" with the zippy, beer barrel beat and the inexplicable couplets, which owe a clear debt to "Old Joe Clark". "Slim" apparently references a famous Professor Longhair riff in an ode to that troubled and troublesome friend many of us seem to depend upon a bit too much. To describe the songs makes it seem a mixed bag, but to hear the CD in a listen is to go on a pleasant and thoughtful journey from loss to redemption. In all it's a solid and inspired musical debut.

Borgia wrote most of the songs on "North" and sings them all; he plays quite a few of the instruments, steel string guitar, ukulele, musical saw and the occasional accordion. There are also some notable contributions: Pat Donahue, Tuba; Brian Dewan, synthesizer and zither; Doug Skinner, ukulele and melodica. David Bell & Alison Davy provide some tasteful vocal backings. A tip of the hat goes to San Francisco player Ed Summerfield who adds lot of heart to the project with driving bass, varied guitars and electric sitar.