Colorblind James Experience
Hailing from Rochester, New York, USA, this quartet were led by the evidently talented but somewhat unhinged Colorblind James (vocals/vibraphone/guitar), with Phillip Marshall (lead guitar/vocals), Bernie Heveron (bass/vocals) and Jim McAvaney (drums). Together they utilized the myriad forms of North American musical expression open to them, from country, cocktail-lounge jazz, folk, rockabilly and blues to good-time rock ‘n’ roll, in order to express James' odd-ball view of the world. It was BBC disc jockey John Peel who first gave them the exposure necessary to make them realize they were achieving something that an audience might also appreciate. Their debut album was an eclectic work, notable for its engaging black humour. The high point of the collection, the sprawling I'm Considering A Move To Memphis, was reminiscent of David Byrne's less self-conscious efforts. By the time of the release of their second album, WHY SHOULD I STAND UP?, the line-up had increased to a sextet with the addition of John Ebert (trombone/tuba/vocals), Ken Frank (bass/violin/vocals—replacing Heveron) and Dave McIntire (sax/clarinet/vocals). On occasions the group have put aside their electric instruments, thereby standing revealed as Colorblind James And The Death Valley Boys, indulging in more basic country-blues, gospel and jug band music. The result of these sessions was STRANGE SOUNDS FROM THE BASEMENT, which carried on Colorblind's infatuation with the underside of contemporary American life.