The Dancing Hats – We Are All Still Friends
I’m coming a little late to this release, but decided to write something because I began to listen to it more than once and that’s a sure sign that something’s likeable and special here.
Released in October 2013 — this is a rousing and melodic little collection — with well-balanced male and female vocals.
The Dancing Hats has an aggressive approach similarly exemplified by bands such as Great Big Sea, the Oyster Band and Spirit of the West. The drums are just an inch from being considered upfront in the mix — but they keep the mix and balance perfect and unobtrusive.
What sets this band off as unique is the creative way they inject a trombone into a music that would generally be violin and mandolin oriented and its….refreshing.
Nothing is overbearing and each instrument is clear and on the money.
This young and impressive Portland, Oregon band is comprised of Corey O’Hara (vocals, guitar and banjo) with Julia Cosgrove who sings angelically with the quality of the legendary Sandy Denny on “In the Morning She Turns.”
The trombone of Jenny Louthan is deep and sad on this tune, but its beauty can’t be overstated. Jenny makes her little appearances every now and then throughout this set of songs and when she does – she can steal a base or two. She’s the frame around the painting.
Next up — is a foot stompin’ arrangement of something called “Here Comes,” with propulsive drums, dynamic trombone playing and furious mandolins and violins. The mix of these unlikely instruments is intoxicating especially on this song – a true showstopper. If they didn’t attract your attention with the previous songs, this one will help raise your head from whatever you’re doing and listen with wide eyes.
A quiet acoustic track follows with “Change In Weather,” and it shows the diversity of this excellent group of musicians. They build up to a waltz beat and the violins weave steady over a strong bass and tambourine. The sincere vocals carry the melody and poetic lyrics that are well-thought out. Again, the trombone — just under the surface — supports the Americana music in a manner that brass seldom does. Who would put a trombone in a folk-oriented band? Who cares? This works so well and Jenny’s sliding notes in this tune are heartfelt. I almost thought she might be playing one of those old valve trombones because, here – Jenny’s tone is deep and melodic. Valve trombones were once the missing link between slide trombones and trumpets. A band like The Dancing Hats would benefit from that option. Is she Tommy Dorsey? No. Is she good? Jenny fits like a Tiffany glove.
The album only has nine tracks but they are jewels.
One performance here — from their latest EP – “Creeksong” gives a good indication how The Dancing Hats begin their songs pensive and then go high octane musically, as well as, vocally with that melodic trombone and thundering drums anchoring the performance.
“Rain Weather Song,” is another treat with its poetic lyric storytelling. So good, that any grade school music teacher could teach this one to children and they would have a blast. The harmony between male and female vocal is charming and the instrumental break segueing into a musical finale is a pleasant surprise. Very impressive.
Of course, Dancing Hats goes from a clever rain weather song to a driving track “I Can,” — reminiscent of bands like Deaf School. The male and female vocals remind me strongly of the best of how Bette Bright, Clive Langer and Steve Allen used to grab peoples’ ears with rockers like “All Cued Up,” and “What A Way To End It All.” This Dancing Hats song is on constant rotation already.
“A Prayer for Dry Season/ My People Are Scattered” from the EP:
The title track closes out this fine effort with banjo and voices in unison. Maybe next time The Dancing Hats will treat our ears to a full album – because this is enjoyable. There are many, many artists out there releasing fine music but after awhile it all becomes a blur of fine music with nothing particularly original or creative. The Dancing Hats provides a little alternative. Clever lyrics, good melodies, a fine mix of male and female vocals, trombone notes mixed with violins and mandolins and playful tambourines with a driving set of drums.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Music is the best medicine and this band is a very good prescription.
Other key musicians on these tracks: Shohei Kobayashi performs on guitar / mandolin and sings. Cate Margeson provides violin and sings, Ricardo Huerta is on banjo/mandolin and guitar. Canaan Schesinger is the thunder on drums with Jordan Buysse on bass and the band does have what they call – an extended family – which means there must be some other musicians who sit in on sessions.
Check their music on Bandcamp and order from there – it’s quite reasonable and you can listen more closely too. http://thedancinghats.bandcamp.com/
“Quiet” from the EP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFchz2ro8WA
On FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/theDancingHats
YouTube additional videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/theDancingHats
Band website: http://thedancinghats.com/
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this review / commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of No Depression.
John Apice – Contributor – No Depression – December 2013