Reviews

REVIEWS OF EQUILIBRIUM - Released August 2003

"Smokin' Granny's last album, Tarth Shooke, was in this fans opinion their strongest release to date and a tough act to follow (see AI #19). So when I first played their newest CD, Equilibrium, I was wondering what to expect. The band has maintained a fairly stable lineup over the years and still consists of Todd Barbee on saxophones and WX7 midi wind controller, Jeffrey Damon Lindsey on drums, Brian Preston on bass, David Oskardnay on acoustic guitar and Steve Hatch on guitar (though this album includes Hatch's last recordings with the band).

The album opens with "Sparky Goes To Wonderland", which includes crushing bass, funky wah guitar and freaky sound colorings that result in a cross between jazz fusion and the kind of avant rock and jazz that I recall hearing years ago from Material and Massacre. The piece meanders along for a bit, alternating between freeform exploration and a more goal oriented feel, with full band explosions popping in along the way. "Mr Piperson's Revenge" is next and is Smokin' Granny's interpretation of Soft Machine's "Pigling Bland" (from Fifth). It's a rollicking jazz/prog rock tune with Todd Barbee's magical Midi leading the way through multiple movements in a mere four minutes. Excellent! Continuing the Soft Machine motif, "Bone Dust" is partially based on the song "Bone", also from SM's Fifth album, and is a raucous glom of space jazz and whimsical, bouncy sounds.

But things really take off with "Iron Tongue Of Midnight", a psychedelic prog-jazz tune with freakiness galore. The guitar (but ya never know when it might be the Midi) is mind boggling with its wailing Fripp-in-space licks. The sax and Midi do the same, but there's also a pounding Stoner groove at times that injects a metallic edge into the music. Lots happening here... tough to describe... exquisite. This may well be my favorite Smokin' Granny tune to date. "Opposable Thumbs" has a similar prog-jazz flavor with bits of heavy rock. "Pressure Point" raises the intensity level with more heart thumping and often stoned bass lines, shimmering ambient guitar effects, and seductive melodies from the sax, all coming together to create a gorgeous tripped out jazz groove. "Dextrous Creature" is similar, with the band rocking hard and going waaaaaaaay out into the stratosphere. Another standout track! The ultimate marriage of jazz, prog and space.

In summary, Equilibrium is a more than worthy successor to Tarth Shooke, being a heavier and more intense album, and expanding upon the complex constructions that make all of Smokin' Granny's music so exciting. A beautiful blend of jazz, grooves, ambience, progressive rock and avant-garde elements. These guys have brought together numerous recognizable sounds and styles and developed a voice all their own. Not a small feat."

Aural Innovations, March 2004,

http://aural-innovations.com/2004/march/granny03.html

"Smokin’ Granny “Equilibrium”

(Metaphoric MMP1493503, 2003, CD)

The unofficial ProgDay welcoming band for four years running is back with their third one - another disc of smoky, funky instrumental fusion with plenty of fire at the bottom and the top. Unlike their second effort Tarth Shooke, which offered mostly improvisational work with an occasional composed piece thrown in, or their first Sirius Matter which was all tightly composed, this one seems to blend a foundation of solid compositions with enough open space to keep the listener guessing on nearly every track, resulting in a far more even listen throughout the discs duration. The lineup remains essentially unchanged, with two guitars (electric and acoustic), v-drums, basses, and sax + wind synth, although this time they’ve enlisted the help of keyboardist Ted Johnson from Groove Stream Attractor (a more techno-oriented band in which bassist Brian Preston and woodwindist Todd Barbee also play) on a couple tracks, including “Mr.Piperson’s Revenge”, their arrangement of Soft Machine’s “Pigling Bland.” There seems to be a lot more power in their sound now, a more dense interaction of textures and punctuation at the guitar level, and a more intense lifepulse coming from the bottom end, and Barbee is playing more beefy sax parts and less of that wind synth stuff. In all, Granny V.3.0 is a major upgrade all around and highly recommendable to fans of that aggressive, free-wheeling fusion sound.

Peter Thelen, Editor, Expose' magazine"

REVIEWS OF TARTH SHOOKE - Released March 2001

* Listening to the music of Smokin' Granny is a lot like going to the fair; you can't keep focused on one thing for more than a few seconds, but the kaleidoscopic effect is worth any vertiginous discomfort. In fact, the music is so freakin' schizo that you continuously wonder if the disc has shifted in your player since the previous song. The quintet's first full-length release since 1999's Sirius Matter, (which contained the alliterative masterpiece "Barnacle Bob's Big Bang Bonanza"), Tarth Shooke finds the prog/fusion quintet once again meandering in seemingly random directions yet still managing to keep a consistent thought line for the entirety of the disc. Shuffling syncopated, super-complex rhythms with some old-fashioned 4/4 numbers, the band manages to keep the listener engaged and, luckily, never falls into the trap of becoming full-on noisemakers. If this instrumental combo had a lead singer, it would be Todd Barbee, who not only conjures shrill runs on his saxophone, but also creates more precise and weird scales by employing the WX-7 MIDI wind controller, a high-tech electronic horn. It's this juxtaposition of organic and synthetic that makes the band's sound both unique and appealing. Guitarist Dave Oskardmay parries the electric stylings of Steve Hatch's six-string with his own acoustic guitar, assembling deft constructs that wander from intense and complicated to mellow and lazy. Hold on to your equilibrium, folks, and make sure all seatbelts are fastened.

Zach Hanner, Independent Weekly, Raleigh, NC http://www.indyweek.com/durham/2002-06-12/homebrew4.html

* From "Sea of Tranquility" "Smokin' Granny's third release is a euphoric collection of instrumental progressive rock, fusion, and live- in- the -studio improvisations that will leave the listener in awe of the sheer synergy that these players have together. Recalling the eclectic nature of vintage Frank Zappa, and the furious interplay of King Crimson, Smokin' Granny have conjured up a strong successor to their last project, Sirius Matter. The CD consists of eighteen tracks, which alternate from long improvisations like the Crimson inspired "Tethered Sky..Skewed Wisdom", to atmospheric jazz rockers like "Tunnels", to short quirky segues like "Whisper" or "Spacevox." Sax player Todd Barbee is once again the main musician, as his melodic bursts highten songs like the acoustic "Fuma Sin Fuego" and the rampaging fusion of "Virgin Flight of the Mumbliepies", which at nine-minutes is the CD's longest track and features the fiercest interplay. Bassist Brian Preston and drummer Jef Lindsey are constantly locked into a serious groove, which allows Barbee and guitarists David Oskardmay and Steve Hatch plenty of room to solo over, although there is never a sense of needless wanking here. A nice touch also is Barbee's use of the WX7 wind controller, which gives an extra layer to the bands sounds and fills in where a keyboard player might have fit. Tarth Shooke is another fine instrumental release from Smokin' Granny. Fans ofspacey fusion or King Crimson inspired improvisational prog will find much to like here."-Added: June 25th 2002, Reviewer: Pete Pardo, Score: (4.5 stars) http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=261

* "SMOKIN' GRANNY; Tarth Shooke (Metaphoric)Some virtuoso musicians just can't decide if they want to play fusion or progressive rock. The lads in North Carolina's Smokin' Granny decided to play both at the same time. Sounding like a big jam session between the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report on some King Crimson tunes, Tarth Shooke features blazing performances from guitarists Steve Hatch and David Oskardmay, bassist Brian Preston, drummer Jeffrey Damon Lindsey and wind player Todd Barbee, but the quintet never lets their flashy fingerings get the better of the actual tunes. Tracks like "Fuma sin Fuego" and the title track move from one sensibility to another, from melodic accessibility to fiery aggression, with a seamless fluidity and an attention to the needs of the song. More moody pieces like "Assembler" and "Tethered Sky...Skewed Wisdom" concentrate more on mood and atmosphere than vulgar displays. The complex compositions could have formed the backbone of any quality 70s prog or fusion LP. Thankfully, in these days of categorical minutiae, Smokin' Granny sees no reason for the two not to co-exist. Michael TolandFor fans of: King Crimson, Happy the Man, High Tide"=

High Bias, May 2002; http://www.highbias.com Archives; Aural Fixations (4/14/02)

* "Smokin' Granny - "Tarth Shooke" (Metaphoric Music Productions 2001, mmp149-3001)From Aural Innovations #19 (April 2002) ""North Carolina based instrumental powerhouse Smokin' Granny returns with the follow up to 1999's Sirius Matter. And it comes as no surprise to me that this is their hottest set to date. In many ways calmer, lower volume, and more ambient than their previous releases, Tarth Shooke also includes some of the most intricately structured compositions the Grannies has come up with yet. The classic Smokin' Granny sound is ever-present. But while the music is still intense, it's also more laid back. It's powerful and even rocking, but sounds more carefully composed. The band still consists of Brian Preston on basses, Todd Barbee on saxophones and midi wind controller, Jeffrey Damon Lindsey on drums, David Oskardmay on acoustic guitar, and Steve Hatch on electric guitar, now elevated to full member since guesting on Sirius Matter. Smokin' Granny's music consists of instrumental progressive rock that combines jazz and rock influences to produce a sound that is often recognizably their own. Dual electric and acoustic guitars give the music a trippy jazz edge while Todd Barbee's ultra sonic saxophones and midi wind controller honk, wail, and moan in that beautifully distinct style I've grown to love. The band is all over the place shifting pace and thematic gears continually but seamlessly. This is the kind of stuff that will make fans of complex but inventive prog rock drool. LOTS happening, but not over the top. Some of the standout tracks include "Far Places", on which a gorgeous acoustic and electric guitar combination leads the band on a slow voyage given an atmospheric lift by the wind controller acting in its keyboard role. You have to listen closely to "Assembler" to hear all the subtle but intricate instrumental bits. It's easy to get focused on that looooow deep bass as if it were some kind of mantra. On "Tunnels" Barbee's sax and/or controller goes into deep space, the song as a whole sounding like something from an early Gong album. That bass is hypnotic. "Fuma Sin Fuego" has a Shadowfax sound, but with the distinct Smokin' Granny personality. "Tethered Sky... Skewed Wisdom" has a sound that blends a dash of Canterbury with a dose of King Crimson, the wailing Frippoid guitar and potent percussives creating a pounding and somewhat ethereal atmosphere that communicates raw power, meditative calm, and a cool groove. And speaking of a groove, "Virgin Flight Of The Mumbliepies" is a get-down-funky fusion excursion with a strong psychedelic edge in parts. Dig that cool wah'd guitar and kick ass rhythm section. Smokin' Granny is one of the few bands I've reviewed over the years that I've had the opportunity to see perform live several times, and in live performance they've shined each time. Highly recommended to fans of instrumental progressive rock. Space fans who take the plunge will find much to enjoy as well."- Jerry Kranitz

http://www.aural-innovations.com/issues/issue19/granny02.html

* "Smokin' Granny is back with their second release, expanding upon their already powerful blend of avant-fusion and funky prog. This time around, they have adopted a much more subdued tone overall, with many ambient excursions thrown into the mix. Many tracks have a modern, almost post-rock vibe, such as "Assembler"; its rhythmically repetitious and jagged electronic percussion and spaced out vibe would feel at home on a Tortoise album. In fact, much of the album reminds me of Isotope 217's Unstable Molecule, with its laid-back groove and Bitches Brew fusion elements. But the band does know how to kick it into overdrive when necessary, and rips through some blistering lines on pieces such as "Tarth Shooke" and "Fuma sin Fuego", in stark contrast with the delicate and pensive outings. Exploratory improvisations weave tapestries of many interesting textures, from industrial noise, ambient washes, and angular melodies to pounding rhythms that coalesce into intriguing excursions. The powerful yet subtle percussion and buoyant bass anchor and propel the pieces forward, lending a strong backbone to the acoustic/electric guitar interplay and wind sounds. While content to ride and develop a groove, the band isn't afraid to let loose with some scorching riffs at any given moment. The shorter songs and interludes act as microscopic previews of directions and themes tackled at length in the longer pieces. A totally unique and wild blend of instrumental rock, "It smokes without Fire". -Mike Prete [April 2002] ;

Giant ProgWeed Music Reviews http://www.progweed.net/smokingranny/tarthshooke.html

* Review of Pre-ProgDay 2001 show at ArtsCenter, Carrboro, NC, Fri Aug 31, 2001:"Next up was Smokin' Granny. I just can't say stress enough how good these guys are. I hadn't seen them for a couple years and they were tighter and better than ever. They've really got a recognizable sound, due in no small part to Todd Barbee's Midiwind controller, which is kind of a spacey electronic saxophone. The band can rock hard, but is also comfortable in playing a unique blend of progressive rock and jazz fusion. They played a number of old songs plus a few from their new CD, which though not out yet, was being sold on CDR at the show and buyers will get a copy of the official release when it's ready. I SCOOPED one up. I give this band my highest recommendation. "- Jerry Kranitz

Reviews of SIRIUS MATTER, Released 1999

* "My Gnosis Rating: 11 Smokin' GrannyCrankcase Sirius Matter 1999 Metaphoric Music Productions""Very inventive and original instrumental prog/fusion. The music is exceptionally melodious but kicks your booty with it's occasional hard-edge, and ever changing moods. There are no bands that I can think to compare them to, but, it does sometimes sound like the German band "Octafish". Several members of Smokin' Granny were previously in the band Freehand. Excellent stuff. "-Gnosis 2000

* "Oozing musicianship and graced with just a touch of self-deprecating humor, Smokin' Granny's Sirius Matter is one of the most enjoyable prog/jazz hybrid albums I've ever encountered. The opener, 'Barnacle Bob's Big Bang Bonanza', is a perfect place to start, and sports one of the most memorable saxophone riffs you'll ever hear; one listen and you've got it memorized for life. A similar riff rears its lovely head on 'Edible Polymers'. Saxman Todd Barbee pays no attention to the perceived rules of jazz sax - and thank God for that! The Granny can get serious when they want to - the wonderful 'Toad Pizza' is a great example, song title notwithstanding. Indeed, Sirius Matter oscillates well between inspired silliness and serious inspiration. Such diversity makes for a compelling listen. The majority of the album was recorded live in the studio - a remarkable feat, given how rich and complex much of this material is. The recording job is outstanding, on the level of a major-label jazz release. This one's a real keeper, and you can bet that we'll be eagerly watching for what's to come from these talented guys."-

James Bickers , Sea of Tranquility, #4, Winter 2000e mail - info@seaoftranquility.org, www.seaoftranquility.org

* "Smokin' Granny is an interesting blend of complex, but accessible music... The grooving vibe of Barnacle Bob's Big Bang Bonanza has some fretless bass work that is sometimes funk, sometimes jazz, and is always happening. Squid is a funk type tune with cool horn melodies and an infectious bass/drum groove that will keep your feet tapping. There is some Zappa influence, and maybe some of the technical, fun spirited jamming style of Phish, but Smokin' Granny definitely have developed a sound that is original and powerful."- Jay Piccirillo, BASS FRONTIERS, Volume 7 Number 3, August 2000

* "As well as his dynamic interludes on tenor saxophone, Todd Barbee adds dramatic synthesizer textures to the atmospheric grooves of "Neural Pulse," "Moveable Feast," "Alien Space Journey" and "Road to the Desert." Ranging from the eastern motif of "Bhairava" to the exotic feedback slide guitar of the atmospheric "Ghost Catcher Box," the inventive scope of (Sirius Matter) indicates why Smokin' Granny " is one of the more inventive fusion projects of 1999. "highly recommended." - David Lewis, Cadence Magazine, Vol. 26, No. 1, January 2000

* " 'Sirius Matter' " contains excellent, original and exciting music. The music on this CD reminds me at different points of Gong, National Health, Frank Zappa and Soft Machine. What we have here is an entirely instrumental band making music that is by turns experimental, jazzy, funky, spacey and melodic. Oh, and it's got a sense of humour too. My favourite tracks are those such as 'Neural Pulse,' 'Moveable Feast,' and 'Bhairava' which develop and add to the original themes to create musical journeys which return one to the point of origin slightly wiser than on departure."- David Weston, Bathtub of Adventures, Essex, Englandwww.btinternet.com/~archimedes ! Voted best album of 1999 for "In-a-tent" category along with Phish

* "it's a little wild, crazy and over the top, but there's still plenty of beefy rock here to sink your teeth into, and a big helping of jagged and dissonant maneuverings" (Sirius Matter is) one smokin' CD debut that certainly ranks among the year's best" This one is strong contender for my best of '99." - Peter Thelen, Expose' Magazine, Exposure Radio Network (www.expose.org)

* "Smokin' Granny was one of those bands who came out on stage, I had no idea who they were, and they proceeded to blow my mind with their instrumental jazzy but heavy rockin' semi-avant progressive rock. The band also has a knack for 'stick in your head' riffs that form the backbone of songs and suck you in for an attentive listen to the madness. Smokin' Granny is a must for fans of complex, but accessible instrumental progressive with a jazz influence, But it's NOT fusion... I can detect a distinct Smokin' Granny sound. Not an easy thing to do." - Jerry K. from August 1999 review of Sirius Matter

* "(Smokin' Granny was) one of the big surprises of the weekend for me. Featuring acoustic guitar, bass, percussion, and a horn/reed player who continually switched between a variety of I instruments, these guys played challenging music that defies easy description. The horn player was fascinating, and if I closed my eyes I would often swear he was playing keyboards. There was one frenetic moment when they reminded me of Dr. Nerve. "close listen to their cassette and the first band that comes to mind is Curlew. "do yourself a favor and check out their cassette." (Review of performance at ProgDay '97 and first release, "Live at the Bat Cave")- 9/2/97, Jerry Kranitz, www.infinet.com/~jkranitz/music/music.html Columbus, Ohio

* "A must-have, if ya dig electrified Lost Tribe, Steve Coleman sax syncopation, King Crimsonoid crunch, funkified craziness, and bizarre sonic snippets. This is jazz-prog-fusion, funk rock. I dare you enter this twisted maze of sonic graffiti on a runaway train of mad musings."-

John W. Patterson, Eclectic Earwig Reviews and Progression Magazine,August 1999. www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Birdland/5655/index.html

* "I'm very impressed. Your tunes jump! Great textures & just the right amount of dissonance. I love the theme in Moveable Feast. Haunting! Keep doing what yer doing. :-Nick Haus, Fresno, California

* "This record did strike me a few months ago, but as I took it out again this week, I realized how great it really is! I am talking about SMOKIN' GRANNY's first album (on tape only). An incredible blend of funk, jazz, prog, tonal and atonal improvisations. A devilish groove and energy paired with quirkiness and great imagination. Long live Smokin' Granny ! - Delire Music, (progressive radio show)Francois Couture, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

* "Very eclectic brand of fusion"Excellent band and musicians that know there are no limits inmusic"or time signatures. Todd Barbee had worn out his sax and WX7 after that set, I'm sure." - Jimmy Giant. Review form his web site- http://users.aol.com/jgprogrock

* "Smokin Granny has been playing for some time now. In fact they participated in the Progday show and played very well. This has been in the works for some time now and worth the wait. Their music is prog with an emphasis on improvisation and instrumental work. The musicianship is very good and the band interplay exceptional."- Mark Cella, M&M Music catalogue

* "Their music is a quasi-dissonant groove oriented music led by sax and guitar that would fit right on the Cuneiform label. Smokin' Granny make their point and then move on to the next one. Maybe in the line of groups like Boud Deun"" - Mike McLatchey, reviewed in Expose' magazine, Issue No. 14, Winter 1998.

* "Spacey and Spacious. Explorative. No limits, no rules save what's open and beautiful. Smokin' Granny, Live at the Bat Cave is an all live in the studio recording of six arranged and five improvisational fusion pieces that introduce the wide open musical vision of Smokin' Granny, a brilliant new band from Durham, NC"" - Karen Michalson, President, Arula Records

* "it's all quite adventurous and plenty challenging. These are highly skilled players doing music they love."- John Collinge in PROGRESSION - The Journal of Progressive Rock,Volume 2, Number 25, Fall 1997