"Live at Mother Fool's" - Compilation CD

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1. Biff & Blunt "Three Guys in a Boat"
2. Stephanie Rearick "Wading"
3. Anderson/Newhouser "They're Coming"
4. Pascal "Mighty Morphin Power Ranger"
5. Les Lokey "Voices"
6. Yid Vicious "The Happy Nigun"
7. Durable Goods "Mellow Down Easy"
8. Far From Home "For the Sake of Old Decency," "The Congress," & "The Silver Spear" (medley of Irish reels)"
9. Swimming Pool Blue "Magnificent Sky"
10. Elizabeth Schaefer "Obvious"
11. Jhaun Renken "Life Of The Sparrow"
12. The Your Mom SRO "What Possesses You"
13. Andy Ewen "Day In, Day Out"
14. Biff & Blunt "I Wanna Sit By You"
15. Jeff Lisk and Maddrum "Impressions"
16. Biff & Blunt "Oh, No, We..."

Reviews

Blue Suede News, Summer 1997 by Michael Popke
Rhythm, Nov. 14,1996 by Stephen Thompson
Isthmus November 15, 1996 by Tom Laskin
Maximum Ink November, 1996 by Dave Leucinger

"Three Guys in a Boat", "I Wanna Sit By You", and "Oh, No, We..." Written and performed by Biff & Blunt. Biff & Blunt are staples of the Madison music scene as members of "Headpump" and as hosts of "Hey, What's the Big Idea?", a show on Madison's public-access cable TV station, WYOU. They play frequently as a duo (unplugged acoustic stuff for people who hate that) and put on a hilariously entertaining show. These recordings were made on August 3, 1996. C 1996 by God, Published by Biff &; Blunt. Biff & Blunt can be contacted at P.O. Box 3116, Madison, WI, 53704, or at Headpump@aol.com

"Wading" Written and performed by Stephanie Rearick. Stephanie Rearick is a Mother Fool's co-owner and member of the Your Mom SRO. She recently began performing solo and is quickly building a diverse and creative solo repertoire. The cut appearing on the disc was recorded during a show with Andy Ewen on August 15, 1996. C 1996 by Stephanie Rearick. Published by ManSister Music.(BMI) Contact: P.O. Box 3220, Madison, WI 53704.

"They're Coming," an excerpt from "Suite for Pink Panties" Written and performed by Anderson/Newhouser. Anderson/Newhouser have entertained many Mother Fool's crowds with their blend of precise acoustic rhythms and harmonies and spacey electric stylings. On this track, Chad Anderson plays effected acoustic guitar, percussion, & voice and Jim Newhouser plays acoustic and electric guitars. They have performed in a variety of projects including Smoked Fish and the Raging Lunatics. Recorded July 13, 1996. P 1996 by Anderson/Newhouser. Published by HELEN! Records. Contact: 121 N. Ingersoll, Madison, WI 53703.

"Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" Written and performed by Pascal. Pascal first performed at Mother Fool's April 6, 1996 as part of The Madison HOURS Variety Show Benefit. We were quite taken by his performance and invited him back. His unamplified show is extremely powerful, ranging from highly emotionally charged to very funny material. He is a favorite in the Madison punk scene and also performs in a duo called Dod Ge. This recording is from July 12, 1996. Published by Pascal's Favorite Music. C 1996 by Pascal. Pascal can be reached via e-mail at pascal@pascal.com

"Voices" Written and performed by Les Lokey. Les Lokey has been a regular performer at Mother Fool's since June, 1995. Her high energy delivery, her interaction with the audience, and the power in her music make for a very moving performance. Les has also hosted many of our open mics (last Friday of every month) and has done a great service in helping to establish Mother Fool's as a strong music venue. This cut was recorded August 31,1996. P C 1996 Les Lokey - Lokeymonster Music. Contact: 33 University Square, 109, Madison, WI 53715.

"The Happy Nigun" Traditional klezmer song performed by Yid Vicious. Yid Vicious has played a large role in popularizing traditional klezmer music in Madison. Billed as "Straightforward klezmer for curvy times," this fun-loving sextet has attracted a large and loyal following which often includes traditional dancers. The group consists of Daithi Wolfe on violin, Christina Baade on clarinet, David Austin on trumpet, Bob Jacobson on baritone, Mike Pollay on guitar, and Matt Appleby on bass. This version of "Happy Nigun" was recorded on July 25, 1996. Published by Yid Vicious. Yid Vicious can be contacted at 709 S. Dickinson, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 259-9463.

"Mellow Down Easy" Written by Willie Dixon, performed by Durable Goods. Durable Goods play acoustic roots music consisting of a blend of blues, bluegrass, rock-n-roll, and old-time country. Their shows are fun and upbeat, drawing in fans of all types of music. Durable Goods features John Fabke on banjo, Pat Kennedy on harmonica, Micael Lee Ammons on National Steel guitar, Larry Lagniappe on washboard, and Todd Cambio on string bass. This cut was recorded on July 19, 1996. "Mellow Down Easy" published by Hoochie Coochie Music, C 1954 by Willie Dixon, C 1996 by Durable Goods. Durable Goods can be reached at 522 N. Pinckney, Apt. 12, Madison, WI, 53703.

Medley of three Irish Reels: "For the Sake of Old Decency", "The Congress", and "The Silver Spear" Traditional Irish reels performed by Far From Home. Far From Home play acoustic Celtic music. They are a favorite of many Mother Fool's patrons. The trio consists of: Daithi Wolfe on fiddle, Turner Collins on tin whistle and accordion, and Bob Newton on bodhran and octave mandolin. This cut was recorded on August 23, 1996. Published by Far From Home. Far From Home can be reached c/o Bob Newton at (608) 251-1072, or by e-mail at rcnewton@students.wisc.edu

"Magnificent Sky" Written and performed by Swimming Pool Blue. Swimming Pool Blue are regular players at Mother Fool's, entertaining their audiences with smooth tropical pop music. The song appearing on this disc is one that they rarely perform, making this recording a rare and special treat. Swimming Pool Blue consists of: Tom Sweeney on electric guitar, Ann Sweeney on vocals, Joey Zarda on lead guitar, Steve Rosenblum on bass, and Jim Huwe on drums. Published by Tom Sweeney, C 1994 by Tom Sweeney. Swimming Pool Blue can be contacted at 832 Jenifer St., Madison, WI, 53703.

"Obvious" Written and performed by Elizabeth Schaefer. Elizabeth Schaefer is also a regular Mother Fool's performer. Her inimitable soprano vocal stylings have earned her critical accolades in Madison and many other cities she's performed in, and have gained her a large and loyal following. This song was recorded after a show with Biff & Blunt on August 3, 1996. Listen to Obvious. Published by Elizabeth Schaefer, C 1996 by Elizabeth Schaefer. Elizabeth Schaefer can be contacted at (608) 256-3941

"Life of the Sparrow" Written and performed by Jhaun Renken. Jhaun Renken is the only non-Madisonian appearing on the disc. His first appearance at Mother Fool's was at an open mic, where he gave a stunning performance of this song that convinced us to invite him to perform here regularly. His performances are always a big event, as he has a loyal following from his hometown of Monticello, Iowa who travel here to see him. He has been involved in the Mother Fool's music scene for a long time, and recently began a small music-oriented coffeehouse in Monticello. This recording was made on March 8, 1996. Published by Thistle Bloom Publishing, C 1996 by Jhaun Renken. Jhaun Renken can be reached at 15116 180th Ave., Monticello, IA 52310.

"What Possesses You" Written by Stephanie Rearick, performed by Your Mom SRO. YMSRO is an Absurdist Trance Rock outfit that has been performing semi-regularly at Mother Fool's for the last two years. The line-up of the band at the time of this recording consisted of: Stephanie Rearick o n keyboard, vocals, and trumpet, Jon Hain on electric guitar, Yohan York on bass, and Eric Peters on drums. Stephanie and Jon are the current owners of Mother Fool's. It is through performing here that they developed a relationship with former Mother Fool's owner, Jean Lister, that enabled them to take over the business when Jean decided to move to Minneapolis. This recording was made on August 31, 1996. Published by ManSister Music, C 1995 by Stephanie Rearick. Your Mom SRO can be contacted at P.O. Box 3220, Madison, WI 53704 or Contact Your Mom SRO.

"Day In, Day Out" Written and performed by Andy Ewen. Andy Ewen is best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the wildly popular blues-rock band Honor Among Thieves. He recently began performing solo and has exhibited enormous versatility and creativity in his solo work. His solo shows combine acoustic and electric segments, with the acoustic generally taking precedence. This cut was recorded on August 15, 1996. Published by Andrando Delmondo Music, BMI, C 1987, 1996 by Andy Ewen. Andy Ewen can be contacted at P.O. Box 3333, Madison, WI 53704.

"Impressions" Written by John Coltrane, performed by Jeff Lisk & Maddrum. Jeff Lisk has been playing drums and other percussion since 1967. he traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada for 12 years performing with artists as diverse as Homesick James and Junior Wells to Perry Como and former John Coltrane bassist Rafael Garrett. He currently plays with the Blues Less Traveled Band and runs a music production company in Madison called Maddrum. This recording of "Impressions" features guest pianist Ra Abraxas (Will Kilpatrick) and regular Maddrum bassist Henry Boehm. The Maddrum ensemble played weekly at Mother Fool's from March 1995 to February 1996. Other members who performed during that run include Kurt Lang on keyboards, Dennis Oliver on bass, Marianne Strand on vibes, John Hellerman on sax, Dave Fass on bass, and Mr. Blues on harmonica. Jeff Lisk would like to extend his thanks to them for helping to create an open and spontaneous musical forum. He also thanks the coffeehouse regulars for helping to make the jazz shows a fun and exciting event. This recording was made in January,1996. Published by Jowcol Music, BMI. Jeff Lisk can be reached at (414) 648-3791.

Reviews

Smack-dab in the middle of an historic and eclectic Madison, WI neighborhood stands Mother Fool's -- a tiny, intimate, smoke-free coffeehouse that is home to some of the city's most creative and refreshing musicians. But because Mother Fool's holds fewer than 100 people, owners Jon Hain and Stephanie Rearick decided to form their own record label, compile many of the coffeehouse's finest moments and release for the masses 16 stellar (and mostly acoustic) recordings from 1996 Mother Fool's performances. The 66-minute disc begins and ends with brief but humorous acoustic ditties by Biff & Blunt, whose representation here only hints at this celebrated local duo's tuneful wit. Packaged in between Biff & Blunt are some truly diverse and intimate musical messages from fun artists who still manage to take their craft quite seriously. Highlights include a cover of Willie Dixon's "Mellow Down Easy" by acoustic roots rockers Durable Goods; "Day In, Day Out" by Andy Ewen, lead guitarist and singer for the blues-rock band Honor Among Thieves; "Magnificent Sky" by the bossa-rock quintet Swimming Pool Blue, which also combines modern touches of pop and jazz for an immediately listenable blend; and "What Possesses You" by Rearick's own absurdist rock troupe Your Mom. The Only non-Madisonian appearing on the disc is Iowa's Jhaun Renken, who turns in a stunningly sparse acoustic performance with "Life of the Sparrow." Granted, not everything on Live at Mother Fool's is for everyone, although Pascal's frantic folk farce "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" grows on you. But this disc, which features exceptional sound quality for a label's first-ever release (and a live one, at that), introduces listeners to a growing colony of diverse and innovative performers. Hain and Rearick plan to release full-length albums by some of the artists appearing on Live at Mother Fool's later this year. And why not? You can never get too much of a good thing. Uvulittle Records, 1101 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703.

--Michael Popke

The 16 songs on the new "Live at Mother Fool's" CD compilation are as much a celebration of Madison's diverse music scene as they are a tribute to the venue in which they were recorded.

The venue's modest visage graces the cover of "Live at Mother Fool's." The songs are lovingly and simply recorded in an effort to bring out the true essence of acts ranging from klezmer (Yid Vicious) to Celtic (Far From Home) to guitar-wielding women (Les Lokey et al.) and men (Pascal et al.).

The standouts are many and varied, though Pascal's "Mighty Morphin Power Ranger" has a strangely compelling, haunting quality. And it's always a pleasure to hear folks like Lokey and Yid Vicious in a live setting.

(Your Mom's acoustic, psychedelic circus music, heard here on "What Possesses You," is worth relibing as well, and Jeff Lisk & Maddrum perform an admirable 11-minute cover of John Coltrane's "Impressions".)

It's a tribute to the producers and artists who worked on "Live at Mother Fool's" that the disc's 16 tracks flow so smoothly.

The release of "Live at Mother Fool's" will be celebrated at the Eagle's Club Saturday at an all-ages party featuring many of the CD's contributors.

-- By Stephen Thompson

The friendly, smoke-free atmosphere of Mother Fool's on WIlliamson Street has made it a haven for acoustic warriors and restrained amplified performers of all types. Although there's a minimum of crowd noise, this varied live CD successfully captures the intimacy of the coffeehouse, including rough-edged performances like Pascal's crazed folk ditty "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" alongside the stately Celtic sashaying of Far From Home and the breezy bossa-rock of Swimming Pool. With over a dozen artists contributing tracks, there isn't much continuity, but then the point of the CD isn't really to outline the esthetic of a scene. Instead, you get an excellent sense of a much-needed cultural free space, where Jhaun Renken's raga-inflected guitar workout "Life of the Sparrow" and Elizabeth Schaefer's typically mind-altering warbling get the same respect and attention from the audience. Kudos to owners Jon Hain and Stephanie Rearick for keeping the place going in our increasingly prefab world.

-- Tom Laskin

As the newest bastion of Williamson Street culture, Mother Fool's Coffeehouse refutes the fears that Madison's live music scene is collapsing. This sampling of live recordings from the summer of '96 is a microcosm of homegrown acts -- and diversity reigns in these cuts (from klezmer to Celtic to Indian to rockin'blues...it's all here). Particular standouts include Andy Ewen's "Day In, Day Out," blues one second, psychedelia the next; Les Lokey's "Voices," showcasing the vocal and lyric power of a musical tempest; "Mighty Morphin Power Ranger," Pascal's strangely sincere pubescent indictment of commercial culture, Durable Goods' cover of Willie Dixon's "Mellow Down Easy," devolving early electric blues back to acoustic origins; and the intense yet mellow "Impressions" from Jeff Lisk & Maddrum. Not only is the space an antithesis to the smoky bar scene -- the music also reflects the free air of creativity.

-- Dave Leucinger

Various Artists - Live at Mother Fool's
Price: $8.00