Hoboken Saturday Night

How could a combo named be anything other than eclectic? (1970) was the second of two platters from an interesting aggregate whose core consisted of multi-instrumentalists (harmonica, banjo, electric piano, fiddle), (baritone sax, soprano sax, piccolo, sewer drum, flute), (alto sax, clarinet, recorder) [note: should not be confused with the British vocalist; however, this is the music journalist], (vocals), and (lead guitar, steel guitar). The rhythm section was fleshed out by a sizable and equally diverse coterie of session musicians such as legend (drums), (bass, trumpet), (bass), (rhythm guitar), and (rhythm guitar). Collectively, they touched upon facets of the , , and subgenres, while somehow eluding them all. The opening short and slightly demented is a precursor to the non-traditional nature of the proceedings. Although undoubtedly a tongue-in-cheek nod to the local New Jersey social scene via the band's hazy perspective, is a straight-ahead rocker that sums up the carefree funky mood in the line "We might as well get down as long as we're down here." The rural vibe of recalls 's with ' personable vocals undeniably reminiscent of . provides a frenetic and pulsating disparity with a raw sound and horn arrangement that comes off like a cross between early . Trippier is the lengthy noir highlighted by ' ethereal voice, creating a vaporous blend with 's airy woodwind. Another side of surfaces on the closer, as the upbeat groover could easily be mistaken for a long lost cut. After several decades in eminent demand among enthusiasts, was reissued on CD in 2004 by . The reissue features an informative liner essay by . ~ Lindsay Planer