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| Lunar Ensemble' Third Album Lunar Ensemble, the backing band of former Machine Gun soundscape artist and poet John “Lunar” Richey, is back on the New York scene with their latest CD on the MuWorks label titled, “Offbeat”. The release of “Offbeat” will be marked with a performance of the Lunar Ensemble on Wednesday, September 12 at the Bowery Poetry Club, New York, NY, home and creative incubator to New York's writers and avant garde musicians. Joining in the celebration are poets DAN SHOT and STEVE DALACHINSKY who will read their contributions to the newly launched literary magazine ARBELLA, edited and published by poets BETH BORRUS and TOM OBZRUT. Also scheduled to appear is CLOCKWORK MERCURY, the duo that combines the powerful insights of poet/vocalist/bassist ERIC MINGUS with the free playing of saxophonist CATHERINE SIKORA in a blend of aural offerings that's creating a buzz in the new music community. Recorded live at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick, NJ in 2001 by two time Grammy winner Tom Ruff “OFFBEAT” features the poetry of John “Lunar” Richey (Machine Gun), Jack Petruzzelli on guitar & keys (Rufus Wainwright, Fab Faux, Joan Osborne), Andre Cholmondeley on guitar & effects (Project Object), Tom DiEllo on bass and the late downtown drummer Lance Carter (Sonny Sharrock, Cassandra Wilson, Percy Jones). Also featured on the recording is special guest and original Mother of Invention, Don Preston, on moog & effects. The latest incarnation of the Ensemble welcomes Greg DiGesu on guitar and keys, Chris McKenna on drums, and Dave Dreiwitz (Ween) on coronet and percussion. In his review of “OFFBEAT” Gallanter writes, “Lunar Ensemble is a great improv/rock band that backs [poet] John “Lunar” Richey with a great groove and two or three inventive guitarists creating riveting textures and occasional solos. This was true of their earlier recorded gem for MuWorks, their live gigs and is still the case with the current version of the band found here... John Richey and the Lunar Ensemble do a fine job of captivating us with their version of a modern tale and create the scenery to match the images described within. Welcome back Lunar, you and your fine crew did it again!” Read Bruce Gallanter's entire review of “OFFBEAT” and listen to selected tracks at Lunar Ensemble's MySpace page. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |