OCTOBER 2008 ONLINE EDITORIALS

The Corduroy - Front Porch Weather Report

By Greta Cornett

All too often, a band with horns that takes solos, doesn’t play straight up rock, and doesn’t have vocals in every song is lumped into that “jam band” category. This has been said of The Corduroy on many occasions, but they are so much more and their release of Front Porch Weather Report should change some mindsets by showcasing this jazz influenced funk band.

The overall vibe of the record is a true representation of Colorado: laid back, groovy, and fun. Think drinking beers at the Mishawaka on a hot summer day.

Some very key things happen on the album: Mike McGraw is an incredibly versatile bass player and at the album’s finest, he slaps that thing around. Pair him up with drummer Brett Brewer and the stage is set for funky. Members of the Corduroy have some formal jazz training and it shows in their solo work. Lots of good impov is happening, which is hard to accomplish on a recorded album. The dueling saxophones are very reminiscent of the dueling vocals, as they are both diverse and distinct.

My pick for best track on the album is a tossup between “Conscionable,” which is a funky jam that modulates, uses lots of rhythms and styles and has you moving around as you listen, and “Wonderful Time,” which has a New Orleans feel hanging out on the Benny Hill show.
Final word: Front Porch Weather Report is worth the listen. You may even be a “jam band” fan and didn’t know it.