The musicians collective Mushroom was founded in 1996 by drummer and author Pat Thomas, and has released 15 studio albums with titles like Oh, But They’re Weird and They’re Wonderful (2002), Mad Dogs & San Franciscans (2003) and Naked, Stoned & Stabbed (2010). If classification is necessary, they play something along the lines of (instrumental) psychedelic jazz rock.
Messages from the Spliff Bunker was recorded after time apart due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, and the 12 minutes 20 of the opening track “looking for adventure” was the very first thing they played when finally back together. The excitement is obvious as we hear (as per the liner notes) the “scratchy sounds of long dormant Organ and Orchestron keys waking up from their pandemic haze”, and rolls of thunderous drumming (Thomas, drum kit center; Marc Weinstien, drum kit right and David Brandt, drum kit left – yes, three drummers); electric bassist Ned Doherty (not Doheny) does an admirable job keeping up.
The album reflects an industrious band at work, with levels sometimes running into the red and cables making noise. The fuzz and flutter of “Victor Krummenacher vs. Jorma Kaukonen” is technically challenging but certainly stimulating for the listener. “One Ton Anvil” is a ragged meander with Erik Pearson’s flute providing some flighty oversight. Musical ideas spread on “I’m ok, you’re not ok” – with a lot going on – including the sound of a VAKO Orchestron bass clarinet disc with the scaled tones of lost friend/bandmate, Ralph Carney.
The album’s line-up is notable for capturing long-time member Weinstein (drums, percussion) on his first Mushroom studio recording as well as new member Paul Hoaglin (Rickenbacker 365 OS electric guitar). In addition to sleigh bells and prayer bells, Matt Cunitz is listed as playing a variety of keyboards including a rare Mellotron 4-track, one of only five known to have been built by an American company who owned the rights to manufacture under the name after the original company went bankrupt. In addition to the sounds of oboe, French horn, and orchestra, the machine is full of sound effects like birds, rain, windstorms, laughter, and mountain lions.
There’s much technical wizardry, but ultimately Messages from the Spliff Bunker has a live sound with the album referenced as the missing link between a live show at Ronnie Scott’s and the Fillmore West. The improvised playing is impressive. On “in dreams begin responsibilities” Erik Pearson’s tenor sax line is sensitively given space by the players to become a main feature. The 18 minute heavy trip of “Marc moved to Buffalo” almost passes out around eight minutes in, but later turns playful. “don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” shimmers and glows, then pulsates in wonder.
Note: this is a double album with “a true 1970s-era experience”, issued on regular weight black vinyl, no coloured versions or tip-on jacket, and should come in for less than the cost of a single LP.
Label: Real Gone Music
Release Date: 10 FEB 2024
Poetic Justice 