Published on Apr 29, 2005
Independent record label Beezwax Enterprises has developed a
creative and unique way of packing their music. Each CD is
specifically designated for the buyer, with his/her name stamped on
the sleeve, and each has a serial number with a purchase date. This
makes the purchasing of the CD a more personal experience, in an
attempt to actively involve the buyer in the process. Each CD is a
one-of-a-kind experience; “one of a kind, one at a time.”
Transmogrified is indie-band Uncle Art’s first release
through Beezwax Enterprises. Uncle Art was founded by David
Seyboldt and
Transmogrified is the band’s debut. Although listed in the
genre of techno-jazz, I found it to be a mix of jazz, blues and a
bit of light rock. Band members include Seyboldt on keyboards and
percussion, Bill Boris on guitar, Peter Ballin on woodwinds and
Rafe Bradford on bass.
“Carmine” is a jazzy blues song. It is lively and lighthearted,
and has a foot-tapping quality that makes it one of my favorite
picks. Boris’ guitar work here is notable.
Adding vocals, “Polar Patrol” is an odd and individualistic
piece featuring Seyboldt on percussion. The story of the Polar
Patrol is interesting. “Among the expeditions that have been
sponsored by the United States Government, the Greely expedition
ranks with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in importance. Both
opened new frontiers and added to man’s knowledge of the unknown.
Adolphus Washington Greely was well versed in Artic exploration
literature and frequently wrote on the subject… Sensational
publicity and distortion of the facts portrayed survivors of the
Greely Expedition as cannibals. Greely knew what people thought,
but beyond his testimony at Congressional and departmental
hearings, where he presented sworn affidavits from the survivors
that they had not practiced cannibalism, he made no effort to
defend his leadership. 19 April 1966.” From that information arose
“Polar Patrol.” The quirky, distinctively independent tone sets the
pace for the rest of the CD. And while I can appreciate and admire
the creativity, I am unsure that I really liked this particular
song. The militaristic musical style does not appeal to me.
“Eastbound Local” is a piece that I enjoyed. It incorporates
sounds of the Norfolk Southern freight train as it moves through
Alexander, Illinois. The song has a wonderful beat to it, and the
train adds to the off-beat nature of the tune. “Jupiter Jubilee”
has a space-odyssey-generated atmosphere that is added to this
group’s normal techno-jazz sound. It is an interesting combination.
Again, the music exemplifies this band’s ability to twist things up
here and there, keeping the music expressive and juicy.
Uncle Art is a rarity in the jazz community. They have a spark
of life that is solely their own. My feeling is that as you read
this review you won’t really be able to get the full essence of
Uncle Art’s musical endeavors; it is difficult to define, and
something you will have to experience yourself. If you crave music
that is creative and a bit eccentric, then you should give this CD
a chance. I don’t think you’d be disappointed.