Chad's Organ Weighs a Ton
This composition grew out of a particular alto saxophone exercise that I used to get my chops in order. A multi-register blasting from the bottom to the highest reaches of altissimo (well at least I try to do it). Anyway, it became a line for improvisation, a musical "head" with several twists and turns. The band acknowledges the "head" followed by a romp down a well-traveled road where honky-tonks exist. A decision is made in short order to determine whether we will go inside the bar or hang outside and look at the stars overhead, dazing in the sounds of lulled horn tones and electronic feedback. The "head" reappears, vaulting back into the music-filled roadhouse and stomps on down the bar. At last the music deflates, awaiting the lament of "last call". Tony nabs a quote from Karen Mantler, "So large, no one can lift it, it won’t fit through the door, but that’s no reason to let it sit there. All alone." What follows is the heaviest power chord imaginable. It dies as soon as it peaks. Who’s Chad? Chad Organ is an ex-member of the Flying Luttenbachers who played tenor sax and keyboards. On one of their 7-inch singles, it was assumed that Chad had laid down the most badass keyboard chord, which Tony thought it sounded like it weighed a ton. Truth be told, it wasn’t Chad, but Weasel Walter playing the keyboard, but our little fantasy continues, unabated.
[Dan]