Search - Garth Hudson :: The Sea to the North

Complexity is both the greatest virtue and greatest flaw

loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 06/09/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Garth Hudson's The Sea to the North boils over with themes and strands. The music is dense and thick, so much so that focusing on and sticking with an idea sometimes proves difficult. The songs often roil and toss the listener, perhaps a purposeful nod the power of the ocean, which seems his muse. Forcing this music into a genre is not a worthwhile endeavor----it's rock, ethnic, folk, jazz, country----an amalgam of various elements (save blues).



In other words, those expecting anything like music of The Band should be forewarned that they will not find it here. Rather fans of ensemble fare such as that of the Willard Grant Conspiracy or even some of Van Morrison's more reflective songs are more likely to find these songs appealing (though without the strong vocal presence Robert Fisher imparts to the WGC).



Mr. Hudson plays an array of instruments, including Hudson playing an intimidating range of keyboards (including pipe organ), various saxophones, and accordion, plus two I'm unfamiliar with, the melodica and the tarogato. Accompanying him are members of the Crowmatix, and whoever they are, these folks seem at home with Mr. Hudson's vision.



Sometimes I like these songs, and sometimes I dislike the very same songs. There is something about this music that makes me want to build a fire or go sit in a treehouse and watch fireflies because this music seems to need that visual component. The textual complexity is both the greatest virtue and greatest flaw here. Hence, this recording is a great effort but not an easy album to fully embrace.

"