Rumah Sakit- Obscured by Clowns (2002)

Being unable to remember how I came across Rumah Sakit, I feel comfortable saying that I probably decided to check them out, based solely on their name.  (those unusual names/titles always seem to perk my interests.)  After listening to this album a few times now, I am glad that I found out about them. 

I really enjoy intricate sounding instrumental music, and that's what you get on "Obscured by Clowns".  Each of the 9 songs does a good job at weaving intricacies into the music palette that you get audibly fed. Many genres get touched upon in this album: jazz, metal, post rock-ishness, technical playing, math rock, etc.  The music is fun and light hearted all while they play some bad ass solos, back and forth solos and so-on.  With only 45 minutes or so of music, the album plays really fast, and at least with me, made me get the other albums they have released to check out more of their sound.  Anyone who is familiar with this style will understand what I am trying to describe: A pretty even mix of Don Cabellero on a high energy infused alcoholic drink meets multi-genre music abilities of King Crimson.? (Ok King Crimson might be a little too high of skill for these guys, but more less same style.)

Instrumental releases like this, in my opinion, are good for almost any occasion:  background music while having company over, cleaning, driving to work, scoggin', you name it, it'll probably fit.  There are many many bands that play this style, or at least try to, but Rumah Sakit is a pretty decent one.  (Plus this album has a pretty awesome cover to boot!)

Official score- 3.25/5
 

The Trio- Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass & Niels-Henning Pedersen (1973)

Wow!  What else can I say but, Wow?!  This is a straight up freakin' great live jazz release.  If you're into jazz, or even if you know the big names in jazz, then you'll know the 3 musicians who are in this recording: Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass & Niels-Henning Pedersen.  I can go on and on regarding the legendary status and ability of all 3 of these musicians, but there is no need, and in fact chances are they will have other reviews within the lifetime of this blog; just keep in mind, these are PREMIER jazz musicians!

The Trio is a live recording, with 5 tracks with a running time of 40 minutes.  Now, each track, I mean each freakin' track is amazing.  Solos from all 3 musicians- Peterson on Piano, Pass on Guitar and Pederson on Bass.  Each song has the exclamations of a gracious crowd that is more than enthused to see this "who's who" performance.  As you listen to this you can see the darkened, smoke filled jazz club with these 3 icons on stage smiling and having a good time, under the stage lights.  Within each track the solos flows seamlessly from one musician to the other, all with ovations from the audience.  Seriously, there are only a few other jazz releases with this kind of quality playing from such legendary performers.  The piano, guitar and bass are fast and intricate and as the tempo goes on its usual jazz based roller coaster ride, you can mentally picture the sweat running into their eyes as they move in accordance to what they are playing, all whilst changing leads and albeit the occasional drink.

I am a jazz fan, not an aficionado,  but I still know a decent amount about jazz, and even if I didn't the newest of jazz newbies would recognize the magnitude of this release.  I am a fan of this album, and the works of these musicians, so this review is a little biased.  If you like/love jazz, you should have this and if you're just getting into jazz, or dipping your toes in its waters, then grab this asap.  My only complaint is the volume level of the guitar and bass during certain parts of these tracks are a little low, but as far as live albums go, this recording is spot on.

Official score-4.25/5