Musically best known for his role as leader of the Monk- and Mingus-influenced Lounge Lizards, actor/musician/painter/director John Lurie brought his vision to the Independent Film Channel with Fishing with John. This deadpan comedy show has Lurie taking city-boy buddies Tom Waits, Dennis Hopper, and Matt Dillon out for fishing and wildlife experiences and celebrating manliness. Though the soundtrack rarely sounds like the Lounge Lizards, Lurie's wide range of influences is felt as he collaborates with various musicians. "Flutter" is strong, with Lurie at home on soprano sax backed by African percussion. "Fish Dance" is a pretty vocal workout conducted by Lizards trumpet player Steven Bernstein. "Freezing Guitar" is an Eastern-flavored piece that features Lurie solo. "River of Men" includes a fine vocal by Tom Waits, recorded as Lurie and Waits paddle down a Jamaican river. It all makes for a quirky journey. --Aaron Tassano
Review by Tim Sheridan
This disc features music from the Independent Film Channel cable series of the same name. The idea of the series is to pair Lurie, the leader of the "non-jazz" big band the Lounge Lizards (and also an actor) with talents from independent films. For this purpose, Lurie whipped up a wide range of imaginative soundscapes, from tongue-in-cheek choral pieces ("Fish Dance") to hip R&B workouts ("Shark Drive"). As a whole, the album is a nice snapshot of Lurie's gifts as a composer. The pieces are rich with imagination and a keen sense of humor. An added bonus is Tom Waits' improvised, lusty rowing hymn "River of Men."
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