Search - Jean-Jacques Perrey, Dana Countryman :: Happy Electropop Music Machine

Jean-Jacques Is Back, And In Fine Form!

Frank M. Young III | Seattle, WA USA | 01/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"2006 was a strange year, and at times, there wasn't much to be happy about. On the A-list of delightful experiences was THE HAPPY ELECTROPOP MUSIC MACHINE, a true comeback

CD for whimsical space age pop legend Jean-Jacques Perrey. It is also notable as the debut commercial recording release of the talented composer and musician Dana Countryman.



HEMM is clearly JJP's show, but Countryman's contributions are solid and essential to the project's success. The two musicians' manifesto was, simply put, to create a recording that would bring happiness to the world.



In a sense, this album is a forum for Perrey's unabashed return to the highly melodic, zany-sentimental material which he composed and recorded in the 1960s and '70s. Unfortunately, the electronic music genre he pioneered soon became plagued with non-musical

conceits. Gloom, doom and meandering experimentation replaced atmosphere, composition and melody.



HEMM gives the reins of electronic pop back to the man who humbly created them, 40-plus years ago.



I am familiar with the music of both gentlemen, and most of the compositions here are true collaborations. In some cases, Perrey would write the main theme, and Countryman then devised a second one, or vice versa. The results are seamless. I can pick out passages I know are DC's, and many of Perrey's musical ideas are evident.



A pleasant surprise for many listeners are the cover versions nestled between the many original tunes. A brilliant retooling of Leroy Anderson's "The Typewriter," and a novel medley of "Hernando's Hideaway" and "Tico Tico" harken back to the

glory days of space age pop. No one seems to revive these mid-century tunes anymore, and the playful, inventive renditions are truly refreshing.



The original tunes are consistently solid and pleasant. I'm hard pressed to single out a favorite. "Cosmic Cowboys and Indians," "Pizzicato Samba," "Forever Moog," "Whistling Cosmonauts" and the highly sentimental "Edith Von Aachenburg" are fine pieces. The

"Troll's Story" suite, one of JJP's most ambitious works to date, bears repeated listenings. It brims over with humor and fine music.



The album has several guest performers--Dick Hyman, Vinnie Bell, Robert Drasnin and two fine percussionists, Rick Bowen and Todd Parks. The arrangements and keyboard artistry of Mr. Countryman are the unheralded stars of this show. Countryman gives his all to offer sympathetic, full-bodied support to Perrey's musical ideas.



I have seldom seen a collaboration so mutually supportive and loving as Perrey and Countryman's, throughout this album. They succeeded in their goal. Each time I hear HEMM, I smile and the world's nonsense and fury is put into some perspective. Though this CD may not threaten Britney Spears' sales (which is a tragic truth of the music biz), it is a superior recording, invested in a lot of creativity and love. It will disarm, delight, and intrigue you, and you deserve to hear it."

WOW! Get your MOOG on!

Robert Lett | Richmond, Va United States | 12/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sucker is as catchy as any moog from the old school days. Jean-Jacques Perrey still has the touch, with an assist from Dana "Cool and Strange" Countryman.Keep up the good work fellas... Now if i could only find that elusive copy of Cool and Strange Magazine issue number 1!"

The Happy Electropop Music Machine

Harold J. Hanlon | Australia | 01/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great CD and highly recommended to all Jean Jacques Perrey fans.



Tuneful and happy melodies abound on this CD.



I can't wait for the next one."