PENGUIN CAFE ORCHESTRA

3.5 stars. THE PENGUIN CAFE ORCHESTRA is the project of a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and composer named Simon Jeffes. This man had a mind for music, and musically he went into a lot of different directions. Back in 1972 he got food poisoning, and at some point during that process he had this dream or vision of the kind of music he should be making. He felt like this was entrusted to him and so THE PENGUIN CAFE ORCHESTRA became the band of his dreams. Some really interesting album covers on those five studio albums he released. The debut is from 1976 and his fifth one from 1993. Simon would pass away from complications to an inoperable brain tumour in 1997 sadly.

The debut is the one to get but this second one from 1981 is quite good. His music gets tagged with chamber music, chamber jazz, chamber folk, modern classical and minimalism. Simon really expanded the lineup here almost doubling it from the debut. We get ten musicians with five playing strings and three playing ukulele. But also harmonium, penny whistle, oboe, accordion, lute, bongos and more. A lot of sounds. I was surprised to see Geoffrey Richardson from CARAVAN on here playing viola and many other instruments.

So a mixed bag for my tastes but I have to mention "Numbers 1-4" with that determined rhythm, and there's lots of depth as well before the strings come in over top. "Walk Don't Run" is a Johnny Smith cover from 1954 and man I like this song. What is ironic is that I felt with the band name THE PENGUIN CAFE ORCHESTRA there was a chance they were playing cool jazz and from America. Nope! From England and more like chamber music, but then we get this cover from a cool jazz guitarist named Johnny Smith from America.

An interesting and eclectic album that just isn't in my wheelhouse. An extra half star for the ideas Simon came up with here.