Hazmat Modine – Cicada (Jaro)
With contributions from Natalie Merchant, Gangbe Brass Band and the Kronos Quartet, It would appear, on paper at least, that Hazmat Modine’s second LP “Cicada” might be a little difficult to categorize. I shouldn’t have worried, though they devour their influences like a hungry pooch on a bowl of Pedigree Chum.

New Orleans jazz, Louis Jordan – check out “Two Forty Seven” – blues and bluegrass, reggae and soul, all come together to shape a satisfying whole. Wade Schuman, the group’s frontman and principal writer has a most agreeable growl, which he often speaks rather than sings, and the effect isn’t unlike Leon Russell fronting a chugging, bluesy jazz band. As for that category, file it under brassy, bold and immensely entertaining
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