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Grits — Rare Birds
(Cuneiform 55012, 1976/1997, CD)

by Rob Walker, Published 1997-05-01

Rare Birds Cover art

Until now, the only available recorded document of this popular Washington, D.C. band has been the commendable As the World Grits, released by Cuneiform in 1993. But that collection of songs, culled mostly from early demo tapes, only gave listeners a taste of what this band was all about. Here now to flesh out the picture is this remarkable 75-minute live set. Recorded in August of 1976 at one of the frequent weekend musical soirées held in The Muffins' backyard, the seven songs on Rare Birds reveal intriguing new facets of the band's sound. Aside from a few short vocal tracks (two of them found on As the World Grits), the music here is completely instrumental. Four long pieces (including the 26-minute "Rare Birds" suite for viola and rock band) expand on the lyricism and complexity of the band's earlier work, winding artfully through various changes of tempo and feel, and opening up for some talented and energetic jamming. The arrangements offer a unique blend of jazzy fusion (of the sort that was a big influence on the Muffins), symphonic prog, and eccentric instrumental rock. The quartet of guitar / viola, electric piano, bass, and drums prove themselves quite comfortable on stage, their skill and musicianship quite evident with some clever segues and a road-honed cohesiveness that far too many bands lack. The recording itself features excellent sound, especially considering this is a 20-year-old audience recording (made by longtime fan and Cuneiform owner Steve Feigenbaum). Grits was one of the rare bands that managed to develop a sound completely their own, and Rare Birds goes a long way towards sharing their still-compelling music with those who weren't around to see and hear them two decades ago.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 12, 1997 releases, 1976 recordings

Related artist(s): Grits

 

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