I Spy The Hootzpah - Live at Forward Hall by Joseph Allen Popp's WEIRDO THEATRE

The CD begins with the title track, a free-form rhythm with ethereal lines in which the theme of "I Spy" is used to thread the vocal poetics of Gray. Michelle [Death Crib] shows off the softer side of the theramin as the band moves from a rubato, lightly played introduction into more and more intense sounds, including siren-like effects and bubbling bass. Gray contributes to the intensity in the spoken insertions between theramin playing.

FLAME begins with Lopez featured on drums in an upbeat percussive rhythm, joined quickly by Cornelius and then vocals and guitar. Leader Joe Popp keeps a Frisell/Fripp-like texture throughout much of the music, as he does in FLAME. The complimentary pairing of the guitar stylings with the sounds of the theramin carries through the Benedictines VS. the Snakes, with the bass taking a more melodic tack and the drums in double-time fervor.

Jack the Cat finds the band locked together in 7/4 time, jamming over the groove in a festival-rock flavor. A quick vocal "head" opens into a three-peice jam with guitar solos framed by vocal "choruses". Showing the band's roots in American music, Jack the Cat manages to remain pure Weirdo Theatre.

Acid-jazz on the rocks; free jazz-fusion; beatnik-hardcore; spoken-word metal; call it what you will, Weirdo Theatre is a unique experience. See for yourself on I SPY THE HOOTZPAH - Live at Forward Hall.

Ken Cornelius -

4 string bass guitar

Rob Gray -

voice of God, theramin and chutzpah

Rick Lopez -

skin bats expertice

J.A.Popp -

guitars, poppsickle stick M.B., devices

credits

All Songs copyright 2003/2004

Weirdo Theatre Music?

Cornelius Gray Lopez Popp

Recorded by

Randy Hetherington of

Midtown Recording LIVE at

Forward Hall.

Cover Art Design by

Joseph Allen Popp ©2004

see and hear more of us at

PlayErie.com

contact us at

poppdodson@velocity.net

thanks also to

the Erie Art Museum

Printing by Diane @PIP

CD Duplication by FAR

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