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AS220 Digital Archive

1-1-1990 Boston Rock: All The uM sic That Gives Us Fits Michael

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Recommended Citation Michael, "Boston Rock: All The usicM That Gives Us Fits" (1990). AS220 Digital Archive. 2058. https://digitalcommons.ric.edu/as220_root/2058

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AS-220 • Providence, Rl You've probably heard these people in other groups. SaxophonisVcomposer George ·Cart­ wright was a Wooden Bird with David Thomas (and subject of Pere Ubu's "George Had a Har). Cellist Tom Cora was the other half of 's Skeleton Crew. Guitarist Davey Williams im~ses all aver the map with the likes of . Bassist Ann Rupel (V-Effect) and drummer Pippin Bamett (Orthotonics) also play together in No Safety. You could uncharitably call Curlew a band of sidemen, but fNery musician not soloing is actively interested in keeping the groove happening. Moreover, Cartwright's pieces are simply crawling with melodies, all but shoulder­ ing each other out of the way. The bass or the cello plays chords almost as often as the guitar. Drummer Barnett's overwhelming imag~ nation combines the cymbal filligrees of Jack DeJohnette with the zigzag rhythms of King Crimson's various drummers. The hero of the gig, ha.Y6'1er, was Tom Cora, whose exceptional bowing, as well as rubber bands and knitting needles, were cheered loudly by a aew of extended cello technique fans in the front row. Light-hearted, supple, even danceable, this is the one NYC fringe band you could play for your in-laws. (Keep an eye out for Curlew's upcoming date at the Channel.) -Michael Bloom