Search - Kevin O'Donnell :: Heretic Blues

Heretic Blues
Kevin O'Donnell
Heretic Blues
Genres: Alternative Rock, Jazz, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

As a timekeeper, drummer Kevin O'Donnell's done a fine job for one-time Squirrel Nut Zippers member Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire. Taking the Bird-Bowl lineup that decked the ears with Oh! The Grandeur and augmenting it with ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Kevin O'Donnell
Title: Heretic Blues
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Delmark
Original Release Date: 5/25/1999
Re-Release Date: 6/29/1999
Genres: Alternative Rock, Jazz, Pop, Rock
Style: Swing Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 038153051327

Synopsis

Amazon.com
As a timekeeper, drummer Kevin O'Donnell's done a fine job for one-time Squirrel Nut Zippers member Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire. Taking the Bird-Bowl lineup that decked the ears with Oh! The Grandeur and augmenting it with trombonist David Dieckmann and saxophonist Chris Greene on the front line, O'Donnell's put together a great swinging ensemble with his Quality Six. Heretic Blues shows the band's ace-in-the-hole languidity on numbers like the warhorse "Moten Swing" as well as nine of the drummer's compositions. Bird's vocals mark most tracks with a slurry calm, an easy sashay that places O'Donnell and company in line with a Kansas City swing tradition. It would be too easy to trace this offshoot of the neo-swing movement back to Squirrel Nut Zippers, especially since O'Donnell, Bird, and their collaborators have a different, more jazzy sense of the music. It's a good thing, too. --Andrew Bartlett

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CD Reviews

Sparkling, Snarky Fun!
Anon | New Haven | 07/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found my way to Kevin O'Donnell's cds through my love of Andrew Bird's music. Now Kevin O'Donnell's Quality Six shares pride of place at the very top of my playlist.



Each track is tightly woven and masterfully played. Lyrics are often delivered with wit and always executed with flair. O'Donnell's drums shimmer and Bird's violin just plain sings.



What's more, this music is flat-out fun. "Control Freak" and "Heretic Blues" got me through the grueling ordeal of studying for the NY Bar Exam. And if I actually pass, I will find him and I will buy him a drink."
Blow, Daddy, blow!
FrontPage | Baltimore, MD United States | 12/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jazzy, hip, beat- filled. Six makes you want to start dancing, even if you don't dance! Doobie doo dah dum... I'm listening to "Girl From New York City" right now, and it makes me feel like taking the next Acela up to Penn Station and hail a cab to Broadway!



The music is a throwback to big- band era in a way, but very modern in its approach. It's jazzy rock without the heavy feeling. Seems like there's a solo violin, drum, a light row of brass, guitar, that cool bass, and nice vocals.



So, dust off that zoot suit, polish those shoes, dab on the expensive cologne, call the babysitter, and yank out your credit card, because you'll paint the town red while listening to these toe- tappin' tunes, baby!"