Gary Gerloff Band Review From 
           Blue Suede Shoes

Ancestor Worship                       

April 6,2001 -- Gary Gerloff kicks off his new CD very much in "good time music" vein, and I believe this is the central concept here. The Lovin' Spoonful were the best known practitioners of the genre in the 60's. From this platform Gary branches off to Hawaiian music, country rock ( a particularly invigorating revitalization of the old chestnut "Ragged But Right") and even reggae. Most of the songs are original, with "Hawaii" apparently written by Gary's brother Bill. who's known as Manny Green, and the other cover being the traditional "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times". Gerloff's voice is kinda hoarse & gravelly, and he's backed by drums, bass and keyboards plus various things added, like fiddle, bongos, theremin, lap steel, and vocals. I like this CD very much, and would attempt to define "good time music" as being centered on the ragtimey cycle of fifths style cord progression, with a groove very similar to rockabilly. The Youngbloods were another group associated with this sound, and up here in the Northwest a group called One Hand Clapping made a couple of records back in the 70's or very early 80's. I like this one very much, and it is highly recommended! Favorite songs are "Deep Blue Sea", "Hawaii", and "Ragged But Right", but it's all good.

--MB