OTTO: Little Pieces
This was the first release from our American branch, and something of a departure, from our usual fare. Otto is an ensemble from Nashville comprised of two classical musicians and two from the world of light jazz. Together they create a new sound of laid-back music which can still be quite adventurous harmonically, combining flute/clarinet, cello, vibraphone and steel guitar. Their repertoire stretches from modern pop to the French impressionist composers and all quite wonderful to hear.
Otto are: Jim Hoke (pedal steel and autoharp; Austin Hoke (cello); Robbie Shankle (flute, clarinet, saxophone); Kirby Shelstad (vibraphone)
Track Listing
-
Gabriel Fauré:
- Pavane (5:42) Jim Hoke:
- Blue Mailboxes - no. 1 (1:08)
- Blue Mailboxes - no. 2 (0:41)
- Blue Mailboxes - no. 3 (1:24) Frank Zappa:
- Mom and Dad (4:14) Glover Johns Gill:
- Mignon (2:05) Jim Hoke:
- Bells of Porlock (2:49) David Byrne:
- Accident (2:42) Erik Satie:
- Trois Gnossiennes - no. 1 (2:06)
- Trois Gnossiennes - no. 2 (1:53)
- Trois Gnossiennes - no. 3 (2:19) Darius Milhaud:
- Sumare (1:59) Brian Wilson:
- Don't talk (2:33) Jim Hoke:
- Fable for Four (3:39)
- Two and Two (2:11) Frank Zappa:
- Aybee Sea (2:25) George Young/Harry Vanda:
- Friday on my Mind (4:06) Jim Hoke:
- Vaguely French (1:47)
Reviews
“Most of the tracks on this disc are by Jim Hoke and they’re all delightful. Fauré’s Pavane is really lovely, and the Satie and Milhaud miniatures readily lend themselves to this kind of arrangement. This disc has been one of the most unusual and enjoyable experiences this year. There’s nothing but good feeling here, and it’s very laid-back and cool.. the kind of disc you might return to when you want cheering up. Purely for enjoyment.
” —Bob Briggs
“Hoke and company let the good times roll. This is a delightful new side to one of the hardest working men in show business.
” —Chris Spector
