While Bob Segarini is a hero to pop obsessives thanks to his bright, rollicking work with the Wackers and his superb solo album Gotta Have Pop, his recordings with his early group the Family Tree are a different and more sophisticated kettle of fish. The Family Tree's sole LP, 1968's Miss Butters, was a concept album at a time when that was still a very novel thing, and the LP boasted intelligent, beautifully crafted songs bolstered by polished, thoughtful production from Rick Jarrard and imaginative arrangements by George Tipton…
Wayne Horvitz is a musician with many sides. Here, he goes a bit electronic and hyper; lots of effects and frantic beats without getting totally abstract or avant garde. Miss Ann was recorded in 1993, four years before Zony Mash 'Cold Spell'. The bassist is the same, though, and the vibe is similar (with a little Mylab thrown in). I've listened 4-5 times and still feel like I need to dig a bit deeper. And, it will be a pleasure to do so.
Reissue with the latest remastering. Features original cover artwork. A heck of a set from Dutch pianist Rob Agerbeek – easily one of the most soulful European pianists of the 70s, even in an acoustic setting like this! Rob's got a bite on the keys that reminds us a lot more of American players from the 60s – not a straight soul jazz groove, but a style that definitely draws from that mode – then opens up into some more lyrical elements that are more in keeping with overseas expression in the 70s. The trio matches his energy nicely – especially on the upbeat numbers that rule the set – with bass from Harry Emmery and drums from Eric Ineke.