A lot of bands do covers. Some bands do oddball covers. But few and far between are the bands who dare to end an album with back to back to back covers of a Bing Crosby hit, a Miles Davis/Ellington medley, and Robert Fripp's "Red"! But on The Half-Life of Desire, Either/Orchestra's finest, most accomplished release, that's exactly what this Boston-based ensemble does. Russ Gershon leads the 11-piece group (including future demi-celeb John Medeski) through four originals as well, all strong, especially his own "Strange Meridian" and trombonist Curtis Hasselbring's "He Who Hesitates." Beautifully recorded by legendary engineer Rudy van Gelder, the band is extraordinarily tight and vibrant, showing none of the muddy quality that would sully some of their later work. "Temptation" is given a mock-serious treatment with a guest appearance of the deep-voiced Mark Sandman, while "Red," arranged by guitarist Dirac, evolves from its throbbing theme to a series of evocative ruminations before returning to its core with a vengeance. Perhaps the highlight of this set is "Circle in the Round/I Got It Bad" with its furious bass intro segueing into the billowing Davis melody as though skirting a thunderstorm, only to merge unexpectedly into Ellingtonia. Quite a journey, resulting in arguably the best of this unusual band's release. Very highly recommended. ~ Brian Olewnick
Recorded at The Outpost, Stoughton, Massachusetts on January 31, 1988 and at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on April 29 & 30, 1989. Includes liner notes by Russ Gershon.
Either/Orchestra: Douglas Yates (soprano & alto saxophones); Russ Gershon (soprano & tenor saxophones, flute); Charles Kohlhase (alto & baritone saxophones); Tom Halter, John Carlson (trumpet, flugelhorn); Russell Jewell, Curtis Hasselbring (trombone); John Medeski (piano, organ, synthesizer); John Dirac (guitar); Michael Rivard (bass); Jerome Deupree (drums).
Additional personnel: Mark Sandman (vocals, guitar); Robb Rawlings (alto saxophone); Dave Finucane (bass clarinet); Kenny Freundlich (piano, synthesizer).
Either / Orchestra - Half-Life Of Desire Album Track Listing
Trk
Song
1
Strange Meridian Either, Orchestra
2
premonitions Either, Orchestra
3
Half-Life Of Desire Either, Orchestra
4
He Who Hesitates Either, Orchestra
5
Temptation Either, Orchestra
6
Circle In The Round / I Got It Bad Either, Orchestra
7
Red Either, Orchestra
Half-Life Of Desire Review
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