Tom Rigney
CHASING THE DEVIL
Parhelion 50002
visit the Toms's website
and with Flambeau on myspace
also available on cd universe
If you like to fit your music into neat pigeon holes do not approach this disc quickly. We start off with a wonderful Cajun romp, and from there you go all over the musical map, from some of the cleanest most sophisticated Klezmer, to Bluegrass, to .... Each variety played with flair, verve, expertise, and an energy that only comes from love of what you are doing. This is an all instrumental disc, there are no token lyrics to distract, nor are there any 'messages' to spend time contemplating. The playing stands stark naked alone, nothing else to fall back on. If you are attempting that you'd better have your band all on the same page, and Tom Rigney has that. These players attack each song with a fresh vigor that is refreshing and tip of the hat to Tom. He not only is the lead instrument but composed and arranged all the tunes, but he produced this disc. If Tom's name sounds familiar he is a member of the Bay area group of musicians that are getting some acclaim recently, called The Sundogs. This is Tom and friends, and I might reiterate tight friends, pulled together by a joy and vision that shines through the diversity of this disc. Each in their own right is an accomplished musician, and they all get a chance to strut their stuff, though of course it always comes back to Tom and his Violin on these 10 tunes. These players know how to take a tune and make it stand out as signature piece. I venture to say that these guys (no slight to Nina Gerber who plays as one of them ) have all had many hours together just for the sheer love of playing. Eclectic group of tunes but a wonderfully together group of players taking each tune to a fresh peak.
Songs, times and musicians - All tunes written by Tom Rigney, who also plays violin on all tunes
Produced by Tom Rigney
1. HOUNDED - 3:29
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - acoustic guitar
Joe Paquin - rub board
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
2. RIGO'S BLUES - 4:02
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - acoustic guitar
Evan Morgan - electric guitar
Joe Paquin - rub board
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
3. LA GITANA - 3:25
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - acoustic guitar
Joe Paquin - acoustic guitar
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
4. La PARISIENNE - 3:35
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - mandolin
Evan Morgan - acoustic guitar
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
5. DANCIN' ANNIE - 4:11
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - mandolin
Evan Morgan - acoustic guitar
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
6. THE ENCHANTED POOL - 2:23
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - acoustic guitar
Joe Paquin - acoustic guitar
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
7. MAD DOG - 4:33
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - guitars
Joe Paquin - rub board
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
8. CONSOLATION - 4:41
Jim Boffio - accordion
Dix Bruce - acoustic guitar
Evan Morgan - acoustic guitar
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
9. CHASING THE DEVIL - 4:14
Jim Boffio - accordion
Evan Morgan - electric guitar
Dix Bruce - acoustic guitar
Joe Paquin - rub board
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums
10. MIDNIGHT BLUE - 5:27
Jim Boffio - accordion
Nina Gerber - electric guitar
Joe Paquin - acoustic guitar
Ernie Rideout - bass
Jimmy Sanchez - drums