Jazzhole

The Jazzhole: Kevin DiSimone (vocals, flute, trumpet, trombone, piano); Marlon Saunders (vocals, programming); John Pondel (guitar, bass, programming); Warren Rosenstein (programming).
Additional personnel: Ronnie Russ, KCB, Ahmed Best (rap vocals); Rosa Russ, Michelle Lewis, Jack Ruby Jr. (vocals); Dave Binney (saxophone); Scott Collie (acoustic bass); Oren Bloedow (bass); Alan Sanders (drums); Pete Mark (bongos).
Engineers include: Wally Brill, Warren Rosenstein, John Pondel.
Personnel: Kevin DiSomone (vocals, flute, trumpet, trombone, piano); Marlon Saunders (vocals); John Pondel (guitar).
Recording information: Context Studios, New York, NY.
Photographer: Nathaniel Welch.
Well, it's an intriguing experiment -- mixing hip-hop and rap with jazz. The good news is that while it could have been better, the album grows on you with each listening, and it does have some fascinating qualities that help considerably when the raps get a little wearing or distracting. The concept is a house band for a nonexistent club -- that, unfortunately, leads to some minor annoyances. Next album I'd like to see these guys get really insane. ~ Steven McDonald