 Return to Lonely Goat Features ArchivesFirst published in Lonely Goat Print Magazine Volume II - #10 viperHouse's Shed
viperHouse, a nine piece jazz jam band from Lincoln, Vermont has made jazz danceable. The CD, shed, is an upbeat, toe-tapping conglomeration seeped in history, from the name of the band to the covers they chose to relay. It's been said, the name viperHouse came from a rescued piano the band discovered that was home to a nest of snakes. This may be true, but the word "viper" has a meaning deep within the roots of New Orleans jazz. "Viper School" is a style of playing; easy and laid back. A "viper" also can be used to describe reefer smoking dudes from the 1940s who burned all day and jammed in the clubs all night. I've heard viperHouse referred to as the "Spasm Band" for the nineteen nineties, a name coined in the 1800s for New Orleans street bands who's playing would cause observers to "spaz-out." This sounds familiar, I have friends who have been moved to the same reaction! This sets the mood for the spirit of this band. viperHouse can be both laid-back and spasmatic. The members consist of a multi-generational mix of twenty to forty somethings which pulls together seasoned life-experience with the vitality and enthusiasm of youth. These multiple contrasts contribute to the band's trans-generational appealand their music satisfies everyone from the hard-core jazz connoisseur to jam band lovers who just like to boogie all night. The band's lineup is: Ray Paczkowski on Hammond BC-3 organ and Fender Rhodes piano. Michael Chorney plays alto/ baritone saxophone, writes, arranges, and manages. Oh My! Heloise Williams does an extraordinary job on vocals, especially on "Viperosity," a wonderfully orchestrated piece where Heloise shines like a seasoned professional despite her youth. She has true talent from the soul. The horn section rounds out with Brian Boyes on trumpet and Dan Mallach on trombone. The brass is accented by Karen Quinn on violin. Their well-stocked back beat consists of P.J. Davidian on percussion, Phil Carr on drums and Rob Morse on acoustic and electric bass. The CD has a big sound rich with textures from multiple genres. There is a lively "Virgin Jungle" by Duke Ellington. They also cover an unusual, yet exceptional rendition of Neil Young's "For the Turnstiles." They soar with Charles Mingus' "Pithycanthropus Erectus," a complex piece as the name implies. The originals mix soul, funk, hip-hop, acid jazz and swing into a swirl of a sweet yet bawdy roller coaster ride. There is a lot of yin and yang to this band which makes for a perfect balance of serious music and a sense of humor. The CD makes fine listening anytime. However, to truly appreciate this eclectic bunch, you should catch a live show. The band has a good natured banter among them that is both uplifting and infectious. They have several dates coming up in the area and are sure to satisfy the Viper in everyone. You can order the viperHouse CD
through The Home Grown Music Network. |