Spring Break
ekoostik hookah mixes rock, folk, more for tasty stew in 'Ohio Grown'
CD review
Adam Bodendieck
Issue date: 12/2/02 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Every now and then, an album comes along that just makes you feel glad to be alive. Such is the case with "Ohio Grown," the latest studio release from jam band ekoostik hookah. The band will be performing at Cicero's in the Delmar Loop on December 14.
ekoostik hookah specializes in a style of music that is perhaps best described as a tasty mix of psychedelic rock n' roll, blues, folk, jazz and vintage country. On "Ohio Grown," the band blends guitars, drums, pianos, fiddles, harmonicas and yes, even a washboard or two, creating a beautiful clusterfrick of sound that completely envelopes and at times entrances the listener. This feeling is summed up nicely in the refrain of "Music," the seventh track on the album: "The feeling takes me over, it fills my very soul -- somewhere deep inside of me -- and it always lets me know."
Rumor has it that a famous pianist was once asked to explain a particularly moving piece that he had just finished playing. Without saying a word, he merely nodded and played the piece again. The moral of the story then is that sometimes words cannot justly describe the qualities of music. Therein lies the difficulty in reviewing "Ohio Grown." The album is driven by a certain sound to which mere words cannot do justice.
The band opens the album with the fast-paced, twangy "Dragonfly" (arguably the best and most fun track), moves on to the equally fast (and good) "Raging River," and then pulls the reins in a bit on the third song, "Ohio Grown," the melancholy yet optimistic title track. The band smoothly grooves through the next few songs, notably "Another You," Godspeed" and "Sweet Lucy," and the album culminates with "Deal With It," another fast-paced number that brings everything full circle. The beauty of "Ohio Grown" is that there is not a single bad track on it, and even the ones that don't stand out as much as others are still better than 90 percent of what you usually hear on the radio.
Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of ekoostik hookah is that it operates (and has flourished) without being signed to a major record label. Since its inception, the band has maintained complete creative control by independently handling virtually every aspect of itself. This is common among smaller regional acts but virtually unheard of in regards to a band that tours the country four nights a week. The band hosts its own bi-annual music festival, "Hookahville," which in the past has been graced by the presence of such luminaries as Arlo Guthrie, Willie Nelson, David Crosby and the group Ratdog. That the band has prospered is a testament to its talent and perseverance. Perhaps singer Ed McGee was thinking of this when he wrote the following lyrics, from "Dragonfly": "I remember the first time that I recognized that I could do anything that came to my mind."
If you're searching for the antithesis of typical corporate "rock," this is the album to own. Go ahead, expand your musical horizons, you'll be better for it. While you're at it, clear your calendar on Saturday, December 14. ekoostik hookah will be playing at Cicero's in the Loop at 9 PM. The general consensus from people who have seen the band perform is that as good as the band is on CD, it's a hundred times better live. Tickets for the show are $10 for patrons 21 and up and $13 for 18 and up (Sorry, no minors allowed). For tickets or more information, contact Cicero's by phone at 314/ 862-0009 or go to www.ciceros-stl.com or www.ekoostik.com.
ekoostik hookah specializes in a style of music that is perhaps best described as a tasty mix of psychedelic rock n' roll, blues, folk, jazz and vintage country. On "Ohio Grown," the band blends guitars, drums, pianos, fiddles, harmonicas and yes, even a washboard or two, creating a beautiful clusterfrick of sound that completely envelopes and at times entrances the listener. This feeling is summed up nicely in the refrain of "Music," the seventh track on the album: "The feeling takes me over, it fills my very soul -- somewhere deep inside of me -- and it always lets me know."
Rumor has it that a famous pianist was once asked to explain a particularly moving piece that he had just finished playing. Without saying a word, he merely nodded and played the piece again. The moral of the story then is that sometimes words cannot justly describe the qualities of music. Therein lies the difficulty in reviewing "Ohio Grown." The album is driven by a certain sound to which mere words cannot do justice.
The band opens the album with the fast-paced, twangy "Dragonfly" (arguably the best and most fun track), moves on to the equally fast (and good) "Raging River," and then pulls the reins in a bit on the third song, "Ohio Grown," the melancholy yet optimistic title track. The band smoothly grooves through the next few songs, notably "Another You," Godspeed" and "Sweet Lucy," and the album culminates with "Deal With It," another fast-paced number that brings everything full circle. The beauty of "Ohio Grown" is that there is not a single bad track on it, and even the ones that don't stand out as much as others are still better than 90 percent of what you usually hear on the radio.
Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of ekoostik hookah is that it operates (and has flourished) without being signed to a major record label. Since its inception, the band has maintained complete creative control by independently handling virtually every aspect of itself. This is common among smaller regional acts but virtually unheard of in regards to a band that tours the country four nights a week. The band hosts its own bi-annual music festival, "Hookahville," which in the past has been graced by the presence of such luminaries as Arlo Guthrie, Willie Nelson, David Crosby and the group Ratdog. That the band has prospered is a testament to its talent and perseverance. Perhaps singer Ed McGee was thinking of this when he wrote the following lyrics, from "Dragonfly": "I remember the first time that I recognized that I could do anything that came to my mind."
If you're searching for the antithesis of typical corporate "rock," this is the album to own. Go ahead, expand your musical horizons, you'll be better for it. While you're at it, clear your calendar on Saturday, December 14. ekoostik hookah will be playing at Cicero's in the Loop at 9 PM. The general consensus from people who have seen the band perform is that as good as the band is on CD, it's a hundred times better live. Tickets for the show are $10 for patrons 21 and up and $13 for 18 and up (Sorry, no minors allowed). For tickets or more information, contact Cicero's by phone at 314/ 862-0009 or go to www.ciceros-stl.com or www.ekoostik.com.
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