Listen to this: Spotted Tiger “Cloud Year”
Spotted Tiger is an all-star band of sorts, comprised of extreme talent who so often lend their art to others. Laurence Scudder is probably the most exciting player to every pick up a viola (or perhaps a stringed instrument period) and has accompanied everyone from Ryan Fitzsimmons to Danielle Miraglia to Martin Sexton. Eric White can shred with the best of them and knows how to work subtly to perfection when he is playing alongside the Brothers McCann or Sarah Blacker. The full band puts on a funky and energetic live show and it’s been an obvious hope that this release would be on the horizon. It certainly does not disappoint, capturing that live flow and energy that the band sinks into each performance.
“The One” is an up stroke, island kind of a vibe that elicits smiles and good feelings when you listen. There is a simplicity in this tune, or at least the fellas make it seem that way and it is really anything but, musically speaking. Their playing is effortlessly and flows beautifully.
“Bumps in the Road” is a low-keyed and spoken kind of a relaxed tune. The guitar line is impressive, but feels loose and untroubled. The message being to take it easy and just “level out the bumps in the road”, roll with the punches, and take what lives gives you and make the best of it. The feel of the song follows that advice and makes for my favorite tune of the bunch. Wonderfully executed and a really pleasure to listen to.
‘Cloud Year’ is sprinkled with breaths of reggae, touches of funk, and trace folk influences that really move. As a lyricist and singer Scudder truly shines throughout the record. There is an honesty and direct tactic in which he approaches songwriting, almost like a real conversation you have over a beer with a pal. Its real, humorous, and human. There is a cluster of one-liners that deserve a few listens through to pick up on. The band is interesting, the songs really move and surprise in ways that keep you listening intently, unaware of where the arrangement may go next. The dynamic between Scudder and White is great and the group is rounded out wonderfully by Yahuba Garcia-Torres on percussion and vocals, James Cohen on drums, and another local favorite who has played with everyone, the great Jim Larkin on bass. Matthew Giannaros also makes an appearance on upright on Doghouse and First Sip.
There is an infectious buoyancy and motion to the music and songs here. A sure repeat listen, over and over again.
Give a listen for yourself and get moving and swaying today…
