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Daniel Bennett Group: Sinking Houseboat Confusion

By Mark Sullivan
June 14, 2016
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Daniel Bennett Group: Sinking Houseboat Confusion

After a year of extensive touring to support last years' The Mystery at Clown Castle (Manhattan Daylight Media, 2015) the

Daniel Bennett

saxophone
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Daniel Bennett Group returns with a fresh eclectic musical blend they describe as Surf Rock + Avant-Pop + Modern Jazz. All that touring seems to have inspired a stripped-down approach, both stylistically and in the instrumentation. This is music for the road, built for speed.

As on the previous album, Bennett is joined by

Nat Janoff

guitar
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Nat Janoff on electric guitar and

Matthew Feick

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Matthew Feick on drums. Returning electric bassist

Eddy Khaimovich

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Eddy Khaimovich (he left his acoustic bass at home this time) is credited as a "Special Guest"—making the core group a trio—and Bennett limits his collection of winds primarily to alto saxophone, plus flute (and clarinet on only one track). The surf rock beat only makes itself heard on the title tune and opener "John Lizard Comes Home," but the avant-pop sound is very much in evidence, especially in the frequent use of electronic treatments on the instruments.

"Andrew Variations" features a bass solo with an envelope follower (or auto wah), along with saxophone and overdubbed flute in dialog. Bennett overdubs saxophone/flute counterpoint on "Sinking Houseboat Confusion" as well—not the expected thing to hear over a surf rock beat. "Bobby Brick Sent Me" is mainly a duet between the drums and alto sax with delay, but an uncredited Bennett ukulele overdub provides an ostinato figure that thickens up the texture. Janoff provides an atmospheric introduction to "Paint the Fence" with whammy bar and delay. Khaimovich also plays another solo: he may only be a guest on this album, but he makes a substantial contribution to the group sound.

"Doctor Duck Builds a Patio" changes things up by being in seven, which Janoff solos over quickly and fluidly. "We Are OK!" seems to be an ironic title, given the ominous sound of the track. Bennett sets the scene with overdubbed piano and alto sax—Janoff jumps in with a psychedelic guitar solo, joined by sax with delay. Bennett's alto receives its heaviest processing (providing a full background all by itself) on "Little Disappointments of Modern Life," this album's charming bit of spoken word, courtesy of poet Michele Herman. The closing track "Sinking Houseboat Confusion—Acoustic Reprise" is a bit confusing in the beginning, since it seems to be neither acoustic nor a reprise! Guest guitarist

Mark Cocheo

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Cocheo and Bennett are both playing acoustic instruments, but the music is atmospheric, heavily electronically processed, and played freely—until a little over five minutes in, when the promised reprise finally happens. A surprising and effective ending to a short but varied program.

While there is some jazz flavor, the Daniel Bennett Group is mainly about single-handedly reviving the nearly forgotten genre of instrumental pop. They do it with style, and a joyous energy that is truly infectious.

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Track Listing

John Lizard Comes Home; Andrew Variations; Bobby Brick Sent Me; Sinking Houseboat Confusion; Paint the Fence; Doctor Duck Builds a Patio; We Are OK!; Little Disappointments of Modern Life; Animals Discussing Life Changes; Sinking Houseboat Confusion - Acoustic Reprise.

Personnel

Daniel Bennett

saxophone

Daniel Bennett: alto saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano; Eddy Khaimovich: electric bass; Matthew Feick: drums; Nat Janoff: guitar; Michele Herman: spoken word (track 8); Mark Cocheo: guitar (track 10).

Album information

Title: Sinking Houseboat Confusion | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Manhattan Daylight Media Group

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