Professor Louie & The Crowmatix – Crowin’ Around
11 songs time – 49:08
The Professor (Aaron Hurwitz) and his boisterous Woodstock, New York based crew continue their journey into the world of roots music. I’ve seen the name in various places, but this the first time I have heard them. Professor Louie Provides vocals, keyboards and accordion. Miss Marie handles vocals, percussion, piano and whistling. The various assortment of The Crowmatix as well as two versions of The Woodstock Horns contribute to the merriment. Aside from his duties with The Crowmatix, Louie has collaborated with The Band as producer and engineer for seventeen years, as well as with others.
“Elevate Yourself” comes off as a hipper, funkier version of the Up With People rah-rah pep rallies of yore. The horns add swing to their take on Commander Cody’s “Too Much Fun”. Todd Mihan rocks out on Rockabilly-ish guitar. The Professor lets the boogie-woogie roll on the eighty-eights. Everyone’s pipe dream of hitting big money is reflected in “A Million”. The Professor’s accordion is a nice change of pace. Miss Marie has her first vocal of the CD on the upbeat “Johnny”. It harkens back to the fifties girl ballads.
The instrumental “Bird’s Lament” is a tribute to its’ author, Moondog (Louis Hardin), the legendary blind Avant Garde composer-poet. It is a lovely melancholy gypsy inspired lament featuring Larry Packer (formerly of Cat Mother & The All-Night Newsboys) on violin, along with Louie’s accordion. An aside…When I was a mere tike walking through Manhattan with my parents, we chanced on passing by this large man dressed in Viking garb, and if memory serves me well, he was playing a Kalimba (an African thumb piano). At the time I didn’t realize it was Moondog.
They maintain the atmosphere of the original loose-limbed feel of The Band’s “Rag Mama Rag”. Larry Packer’s violin, Todd Mihan’s approximation of Robbie Robertson’s guitar style and Band-like piano accomplish that in fine fashion. The Professor and Miss Marie duet on the slow and yearning “Steadfast & True”. Miss Marie sings Graham Parker’s gospel-inflected “Stick To The Plan”. Marie once again on Bob Dylan’s “Watching The River Flow”. It is given a slowed-down treatment, similar to a sung sermon, with piano and organ set against Todd Mihan’s always spot-on guitar. The bonus track is the Professor and Marie penned “A Different Christmas”. It is a country music flavored ditty with Mr. Mihan’s country guitar along with piano, organ and a bit of horns. The hidden closing track is a reprise of “Elevate Yourself”.
This is a nice and homey treat, similar to reminiscing about your childhood. The musicianship and writing are top quality. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
