With their first official release on Harmonized Records, Garaj Mahal went with what they know best - live music. Live Volumes 1, II &III exemplifies what Garaj Mahal has been delivering to their audiences each night out. If you haven't picked up one of their previous self-released live CDs, all three of these new live volumes are certainly the way to go.
Live Volume 1 was recorded at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on April 23, 2002. The series opens with the instrumental "Gulam Sabri," incorporating the familiar soothing sounds that reflect their substantial influence in India music, which feature Zakir Hussain ( Mickey Hart) on the tabla. Meanwhile, they waste no time in picking up the pace to get the crowd moving and the jams are deep and varied on this17-minute first track...getting everyone involved. Sticking with the instrumentals, we are presented with "Semos". This is a more jazz influenced track, which showcases each of the musician's remarkable abilities. If you are not familiar with the band, this is a perfect introduction as to what they truly are capable of. "Intro Jam", a relaxing two-minute piece, is mainly composed of Fareed Haque's guitar playing that quickly jumps into the 12-minute "Celtic Indian". This track is more rock influenced, while at other times almost progressive. Kai Eckhardt (bass) and Adam Hertz (drums) lay down a solid foundation for Fareed and Eric Levy (keyboards) to dance their lead instruments around. Halfway through, Hertz rifles to the forefront with some nice work on the skins. At this point, we also hear a more prominent tabla than we had on the previous two tracks and are treated to a slight touch of psychedelia before the track finally reaches full circle. After all this time, "Ivory Tower" presents us with our first taste of vocals. It opens with a little rap-like sequence and it almost seems that "Ivory Tower" is Garaj Mahal's "What's Going On," with its minimal but strong lyrical focus on the world. "Ivory Tower" develops into a very well crafted jam with Levy leading the way. "Of A Simple Mind" completes "Live Volume I" with an upbeat jam and some interesting effects that will keep your ears hooked. It's a tune you might hear blended well into a jam, as it pulls you in and sends you off to space while you can just close your eyes and float away.
Live Volume II was recorded at the Boulevard Café in Chicago, IL on August 13, 2002. The disc opens energetically with "Cosmic Elevator". The funk comes alive here with Kai laying down an addictive bass groove, while Levy has no problem showing his ability to get down with the best. As the jam progresses, Fareed gets a bit classical before finishing up with the funk. The fast paced "Poodle Vamp" follows, which is a mark of mindless ramblings, although interesting in its own right, is just too hard to describe in words. The jam is very electronic, but ends up all across the board. The jazz heavy "Paladin" allowed sounds of Chick Corea and Spyro Gyra to quickly jump into my head. Throw in a little gospel and blues, and you're immersed deeply right in the middle of the 12-plus minute track. "The Paladin" makes a great climax for the disc, as it features an upbeat vibe. The one down point of the track is the call to the soundman mid jam, but I guess it only reminds you that we are live and it comes with the territory. The band sticks with the jazzy feel as they move forward with a cover of "The Chicken". It's like a stroll on a nice afternoon that will have you strutting in no time. The keys highlight the first half of the track, as Levy showcases his organ technique, while Fareed takes over mid-way over a Kai bass groove. Things evolve to a little "easy listening" for a moment with "Make a Hippie Happy." The band picks it up, delivering another jammed instrumental designed to keep the crowd locked in a groove. The disc closes with a wonderful rendition of the "National Anthem." The selection of this piece is a perfect way to conclude the disc- melodic and reflecting.
Live Volume III was recorded at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO on May 11, 2002. The disc opens very much like the previous volume with an up-tempo funk jam during "7-Up" that sets everything off in high gear. The rockin' blues riffs jolt you to get on up, even if you're not in a room full of people. The tune climbs to a new height when Levy's synthesizer pushes it's way to the front. A little bass solo leads "Never Give Up," while the others join in, but Kai is definitely driving this train at the onset as this particular song comes at you strong, like Jordan going to the hole. Fareed's lightning guitar shoots through the sky to close the track. Levy's "Thursday" provides a beat that is so familiar, you might find yourself scratching your head. But once the vocals kick in, you’ll have to do a double take, because it’s almost as if Prince was a guest on the track. Following the same tone the disc moves along in a sweet groove. When you thought the energy really couldn't pick up, it jumps up several levels with "Stoked on Razaki," allowing the band to leap into overdrive. Live Volume III’ concludes with a reworked version of Madonna’s "Material Girl" that Garaj plays in their own style of funk and blues; one that Madonna probably never imagined hearing.
The San Francisco/Chicago based Garaj Mahal outdid themselves with Live Volumes I, II, &III. Their ability to move so freely from genre to genre makes this band a must see. Their energy and the fire they'll set underneath you will keep you moving long into the night as the talent comprising this predominately instrumental quartet is nothing short of amazing.
