The Penguin Cafe Orchestra was recommended to me by my buddy Dr Robert in his ongoing effort to convince me that the 1980's weren't the musical wasteland i usually consider them to be. And I really find the PCO's music easy to like, even easy to love. Yet there are very few of the typical trappings of that particular decade here. Most of the instruments are acoustic, the production is warm and organic, synthesizers are absent etc.
The PCO's music takes in folk, classical, world music and minimal music, which makes it hard to categorise or attach to any certain musical fancy, but awards it a very attractive timelessness and indefiniteness. It is also very positive music, sometimes ironic, sometimes just sheer beautiful. Which, unfortunately, also led to it's rather excessive use in movies and commercials.
This mini album collects two tracks from the group's first two albums, two previously unreleased live recordings from a tour of Japan and two new studio tracks. From what i know, of the then previously unreleased material only "Piano Music" has been reissued on cd. There's only 26 minutes of music here, but it's as good an introduction to this wonderful group as any of their regular albums.
The Penguin Cafe Orchestra: Mini Album
E.G. Records (UK), 811 917-1, 1983
The Penguin Cafe Single 6:15
Air á Danser 4:30
The Toy 4:25
Numbers 1-4 6:56
Salty Bean Fumble 2:09
Piano Music 1:41
All tracks written by Simon Jeffes
Personnel:
The Penguin Cafe Single:
Simon Jeffes. electric guitar
Steve Nye, electric piano
Helen Leibmann, cello
Gavyn Wright, violin
Composed in Kyoto, Japan 1972, recorded 1974
From the album: "Music from the Penguin Cafe"
Air á Danser:
Simon Jeffes, cuatro, guitar, bass, piano, voice
Geoffrey Richardson, violas
Helen Leibmann, cello
Gavyn Wright, violin
Steve Nye, cuatro
Braco, shakers
Recorded 1980
From the album: "Penguin Cafe Orchestra"
The Toy:
Simon Jeffes, omnichord, bass, electric guitar
Geoffrey Richardson, slide guitar, viola
Neil Rennie, ukelele
Recorded March 23rd 1983
Numbers 1-4:
Simon Jeffes, guitar, pitch pipes
Peter Veitch, piano
Geoffrey Richardson, viola
Marcus Beale, violin
Braco, bongos
Giles Leaman, oboe
Live version recorded by NHK Radio at the Kain Hoken Hall, June 10th 1982
Salty Bean Fumble:
Simon Jeffes, penny whistles
Geoffrey Richardson, viola
Marcus Beale, violin
Neil Rennie, ukelele
Braco, shakers
Giles Leaman, stick percussion
Peter Veitch, piano
Kuma Herada, bass
Live version recorded by NHK Radio at the Kain Hoken Hall, June 10th 1982
Piano Music
Simon Jeffes, piano
Recorded Tokyo, July 7th 1982
A gorgeous live version of "Air á Danser":
18 comments:
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Many thanks for this. I first heard the Penguins on a BBC broadcast - still got the tape somewhere if you're interested - and was hooked. Such a pity that Simon Jeffs did not live longer.
Thanks very much LPR, I didn't have this. Penguin Cafe a fave of mine.
My pleaure, folks.
rebf,
i'm pretty new to the group, haven't even heard all regular albums yet. But what i've heard of their live stuff was just as beautiful as the studio recordings. So if you really want to dig that tape out, i'd welcome it. But if it's to much of an effort, don't bother. I still have lots of music to discover from the PCO.
Thanks LPR. I hadn't heard this EP before. Love this wonderfully eclectic music.
I'm a PCO fan. I have three of their releases on CD is you are interested.
LPR, I have an "aquired taste" for this group ever since, well way back I first stumbled upon their EG albums in the late 80's...I guess. A while back I played some of their music to my (new) girlfriend - cause I'd knew she'd like it- and was once again positively baffled by their performances. I'll try this one to see if there's anything I missed out on, but I reckonize a handful of tunes by title already [:-) Good music. Also a good introduction to this band is: Penguin Cafe Orchestra - 1996 Preludes Airs and Yodels (a Virgin/Carol compilation)
-and I am out,
peace, E-mile
Philo, E-Mile,
glad to have something for you, friends.
Thanks for the tip on that comp, E-Mile.
Philo,
thanks for the offer. Already found some of their albums, but nothing in lossless. Do you happen to have "When in Rome"?
But if you really feel like sharing, i'd welcome anything from the group!
I love music that is original, complex in arrangement, and shows a unique vision. PCO embodies all of those traits and then some. I had never heard of this group but am quite impressed by the way these penguins strut. I would welcome any and all further PCO offerings should you decide to take Philo up on his offer, and for the record, I hope you do. In any case, thanks for this very fun and interesting music LPR!
I have "Broadcasting From Home","When In Rome", and "Union Cafe". All MP3@320.
If you wish, you may have.
Of course you may.
We are indebted.
Thanks Rouge, I love PCO. I find it very relaxing but with a good cerebral activity.
You are welcome, friends.
LAZZ,
i'd love to have When In Rome! Many thanks for the offer!
@Lazz - (not to hijack your blog LPR!) If you want to post a comment with links to all 3 of those albums I can guarantee at least one person who will snap them all up (me).
(delete this comment if I'm overstepping my bounds LPR)
http://www.mediafire.com/download/19b67alu204nva1/When_in_rome..._(1988).rar
I have all their albums in lossless.
I'll dig out 'When In Rome' for a start. If anything else in particular wanted let me know.
Yes I first heard them on the Peel show back in the day. Loved them ever since.
I to am anonymous.
Lazz, Jazzuk,
thanks so much for your kind offers, much appreciated!
Great, jazzuk! Thanks again.
Many thanks, LPR. Penguin Cafe were one of the most original groups around.
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