The Half-Life of Desire

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Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Brian Olewnick
A lot of bands do covers. Some bands do oddball covers. But few and far between are the bands who dare to end an album with back to back to back covers of a Bing Crosby hit, a Miles Davis/Ellington medley, and Robert Fripp's "Red"! But on The Half-Life of Desire, Either/Orchestra's finest, most accomplished release, that's exactly what this Boston-based ensemble does. Russ Gershon leads the 11-piece group including future demi-celeb John Medeski through four originals as well, all strong, especially his own "Strange Meridian" and trombonist Curtis Hasselbring's "He Who Hesitates." Beautifully recorded by legendary engineer Rudy van Gelder, the band is extraordinarily ...
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Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Brian Olewnick
A lot of bands do covers. Some bands do oddball covers. But few and far between are the bands who dare to end an album with back to back to back covers of a Bing Crosby hit, a Miles Davis/Ellington medley, and Robert Fripp's "Red"! But on The Half-Life of Desire, Either/Orchestra's finest, most accomplished release, that's exactly what this Boston-based ensemble does. Russ Gershon leads the 11-piece group including future demi-celeb John Medeski through four originals as well, all strong, especially his own "Strange Meridian" and trombonist Curtis Hasselbring's "He Who Hesitates." Beautifully recorded by legendary engineer Rudy van Gelder, the band is extraordinarily tight and vibrant, showing none of the muddy quality that would sully some of their later work. "Temptation" is given a mock-serious treatment with a guest appearance of the deep-voiced Mark Sandman, while "Red," arranged by guitarist Dirac, evolves from its throbbing theme to a series of evocative ruminations before returning to its core with a vengeance. Perhaps the highlight of this set is "Circle in the Round/I Got It Bad" with its furious bass intro segueing into the billowing Davis melody as though skirting a thunderstorm, only to merge unexpectedly into Ellingtonia. Quite a journey, resulting in arguably the best of this unusual band's release. Very highly recommended.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 12/13/1994
  • Label: Accurate Records
  • UPC: 743431324221
  • Catalog Number: 3242
  • Sales rank: 164,198

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Either/Orchestra Primary Artist
Charlie Kohlhase Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone
John Carlson Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Jerry Deupree Drums
John Dirac Guitar
Dave Finucane Bass Clarinet
Rudy Van Gelder Recorder
Russ Gershon Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Tom Halter Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Russell Jewell Trombone
John Medeski Organ, Piano, DX-7
Michael Rivard Bass
Mark Sandman Guitar, Vocals
Doug Yates Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Curtis Hasselbring Trombone
Kenny Freundlich Synthesizer, Piano
Robb Rawlings Alto Saxophone
Technical Credits
Russ Gershon Arranger, Producer, Liner Notes
Mark Sandman Arranger
Eric Pfeiffer Cover Design
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