by Charlie Barnett | Jun 27, 2012 | News, Uncategorized
You already know about us so here’s a review of where we are playing tonight. Sounds pretty good dontcha think?
Blues Alley in Washington, DC on PartyEarth.comDespite its name, Blues Alley is a cozy little joint that’s all about the jazz. Widely popular with a diverse mix of jazz lovers, this Georgetown institution has been hosting live music daily since the 60s, and continues to feature a range of big name and well-respected acts.
by Charlie Barnett | May 14, 2012 | News, Press, Reviews, Uncategorized
Chaise Lounge – Insomnia
Trying to get the decks cleared before the next overseas trip. Much to write about, and much to load onto the ‘pod for that 14-hour Pacific flight.
Chaise Lounge – Insomnia
(Modern Songbook)
Released – April 2012
This is a unique group of musicians – hell, they had me at the quote from Mr. Barnett – “We wear suits—it’s a stylish damn band.” From somewhere between Washington (the right coast one) and Baltimore, the sextet describes themselves as fresh out of a 1962 recording studio. Not just any recording studio, but the famed Capitol Recording Studios.
If you’re going to make the comparison, make it a good one.
Luckily, the band lives up to its hype on this disc of a dozen tunes – nine originals, plus Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Bali Ha’i,” Arlen and Harburg’s “If I Only Had A Brain,” and a version of “Ode to Billie Jo” that matches the band’s Marilyn Older channeling Bobbie Gentry’s voice. Except imagine Blood, Sweat and Tears as the backing band.
The words and music for the originals come from Charlie Barnett, with a list of 50 credits as a film composer. He’s able to craft lyrics (“Houdini”) like, “I need a man, not a magician | I’ve got the keys in the ignition.”
But it’s the skill of Ms. Older, whose charm comes from being able to throw off Mr. Barnett’s lyrical punchlines with the charm of a gifted straight man. Feisty, but familiar, she’s everywoman, with great lines like “The truth is you’ll be bummin’ | cause you’ll never see it comin’ | I’m going to ruin your day.”
And that’s from probably my favorite track on the disc – the bonus track – the unlisted “I’m Going To Ruin Your Day,” which apparently isn’t available as a download, only on the physical CD.
Of it, Mr. Barnett says, “I just loved the idea of writing a waltz, not even a particularly hip jazz waltz, but an old-fashioned lovey-dovey-style waltz, and having it contain a lyric of true spitefulness. In the space at top of the score, to the left—where a composer usually writes something like “andante” or “slowly, with feeling” — I wrote ‘peevish.’”
And Ms. Older plays it beautifully. Her charm comes from her style, warm and simple, able to handle not just peevish, but also the blues and a romantic ballad with class. No wonder she was nominated as one of Washington DC’s best jazz vocalists.
Yes, it is. In addition to Ms. Older, Mr. Barnett on Guitar and piano, Tommy Barrick on Drums, Gary Gregg on sax, clarinet and flute, John Jensen on trombone, and Pete Ostle on bass and tuba.
Class act, this. Very highly recommended.
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by Charlie Barnett | May 8, 2012 | News, Uncategorized, Videos
Warning! This Video has a cuteness factor that tops the charts.
Charlie is greeted by some amazing kids who fell in love with the music of Chaise Lounge (and Charlie) when Charlie visited them for career day.
The kids invited him back so they could perform something special for him in return.
by Charlie Barnett | Apr 26, 2012 | News, Uncategorized
I have thou
ght of almost nothing else for the past 72 hours than the perfection of Saturday’s record release party at The Hamilton in Washington DC. There were early signs that the evening would be difficult to leave behind; ‘farewells’ and ‘well-dones’ lasted for me until almost 3 o’clock in the morning. (But wait, isn’t that when the song, Insomnia, begins?) But here it is, Tuesday evening, and I as I go through the motions of my week, I am mostly still there.
This show went differently than most. We mingled with guests before the performance, which did a lot for my sense of connection. Knowing who had made a point of being there and seeing new, smiling faces before the house lights went down, warmed the large room and transformed the 300+ person audience into an intimate gathering of friends.
And still, the show felt big, bright and exhilarating. I could have burst with appreciation for my band members. We always have fun together but on nights like that, when the sound is great, the audience is receptive and the venue seems made for us, we get to realize a collective vision and there is nothing quite like it. (Jeff, we love you and Gary, we missed you.)
So as I defrost chicken, fold laundry and chase away my kids so I can finish Season 2 of Downton Abbey, I breathe a deep sigh of satisfaction. I also chase away the blues that are creeping in with the pledge to do it all again, soon.
Blues Alley in Washington, DC on PartyEarth.comDespite its name, Blues Alley is a cozy little joint that’s all about the jazz. Widely popular with a diverse mix of jazz lovers, this Georgetown institution has been hosting live music daily since the 60s, and continues to feature a range of big name and well-respected acts.
Chaise Lounge – Insomnia
Of it, Mr. Barnett says, “I just loved the idea of writing a waltz, not even a particularly hip jazz waltz, but an old-fashioned lovey-dovey-style waltz, and having it contain a lyric of true spitefulness. In the space at top of the score, to the left—where a composer usually writes something like “andante” or “slowly, with feeling” — I wrote ‘peevish.’”
