The Ink on Bricolage

Oho: Bricolage (CD/DVD)

Formed in 1973, the enigmatic Baltimore band has been a fixture in the underground music scene for many years. Oho has had their share of difficulty having disbanded in 1977 and again shortly after they reformed in 1983, just after the release of their Roctronics EP in 1984. The remaining members Jay Gabroski (guitars, keyboards, vocals) and David Reeve (drums, keyboards, vocals) soon added Steve Carr (bass) and Grace Hearn (vocals) and the band lived to see another day. That is a good thing because Bricolage is a very good album. Although the band does not release a lot of albums it is hard to complain once you hear the music. This is clearly a case of quality over quantity as the band has only recorded a handful of albums during the past thirty plus years.

Bricolage consists of twenty tracks, the first thirteen of which have never been released and were recorded between 1983 and 2000. The last seven are listed as bonus tracks originally released on the OHO, Up and Oriency Anthology albums. Bricolage has the band going in a more folk-like direction rather than the psychedelic acid explorations of their earlier albums. Joining the four core members are numerous female vocalists and various musicians adding instruments like violin, sax, flute, harmonica, theremin, mandolin and more. The result is a richly layered, organic sounding album that works on all levels. Electric and acoustic guitar are blended together almost perfectly and the female vocals are excellent throughout, including the background harmonies. The earworms keep coming track after track making this one of the most melodic albums I have heard this year.

If you like bands like Mostly Autumn or early Fleetwood Mac you should find plenty to sink your teeth into here. Some of my favourites include the acoustic folk pop of "The Great Attractor" with its delicate flourishes of acoustic guitar, the musical build up in the quirky yet progressive "Time" with stellar acoustic and electric guitar and the Fleetwood Mac inspired "Dream Lifted Up" with spot on drum work and some ripping electric guitar. The rest of the CD is just as good and the sound quality is excellent throughout.

The DVD features a photo gallery, CD credits and lyrics and concert footage from a variety of venues including the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood, CA and the Wammy Awards (a Washington area awards show). The video footage is somewhat grainy and the sound quality is not as good as on the CD but this is still a nice addition to have. Also scattered throughout are snippets of interviews giving us more insight into this strange band.

Although this CD is not as eclectic as some of their past releases I like the band's change in direction. The songs are more accessible while still retaining a progressive edge and the melodies are everywhere. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
CD
1. The Great Attractor (4:00)
2. Eros Is a Verb (4:08)
3. Burning Grey (3:38)
4. Close But No Cigar (4:13)
5. Time (4:48)
6. Plowing the Sea (3:44)
7. Blue Fix (3:46)
8. S/he (3:30)
9. Dream Lifted Up (4:52)
10. Penultimatum (4:03)
11. Under Covers 93:40)
12. Painted Stars (3:45)
13. Moon Draw Your Curtain (4:39)
14. Limousine (4:01)
15. The Secret (3:27)
16. Antique Heart (3:35)
17. Shouts in the Street (3:39)
18. Ethiopia (3:54)
19. It Will Not Be Late (3:50)
20. Angels (4:21)
DVD
1. Breaking Away
2. Til Death Do Us Part
3. Scared Money
4. Out of Thin Air
5. Danger and Play
6. Change in the Wind
7. Under Covers
8. Burning Grey
9. Controlled Substance
10. Angels
11. Limousine
12. The Secret

http://seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=9824

Added: October 24th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 38
Language: english

Oho Bricolage Review by Gary Hill Music Street Journal  http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_cdreviews_display.cfm?id=102766 I was a little hesitant to tackle this disc. The first album from Oho was a bit weird for my tastes. Well, this one is just plain amazing! It’s a great blend of folk and progressive rock that at times calls to mind such acts as Yes, Renaissance and others. It’s actually one of the better discs I’ve heard in a while, and there have been a lot of great discs released in 2010. This has an accompanying DVD that includes interviews and live performances. All in all, a great package.

The Great Attractor This is a killer cut. It powers in with a triumphant sort of powerhouse prog rock arrangement. There are some intriguing little changes and alterations, but overall this is a straight forward and soaring journey. There’s a lot of folk in it, but also plenty of prog. In some ways it makes me think of Yes. In other ways it calls to mind Renaissance.

Eros Is a Verb The early portions of this are closer to Renaissance. The cut is more purely folk oriented early on, but then becomes powerhouse progressive rock as it continues.

Burning Grey “Burning Grey” is closer to “The Great Attractor” in that it’s a powerhouse pure progressive rock number that’s very tasty.

Close But No Cigar Here’s a real hot rocker. It’s less proggy and almost all the folk music has been washed away. It’s more straightahead. There is a short instrumental section that’s very Yes-like.

Time Now, they turn to nearly pure folk for this number. Around the minute and a half mark, though, the progressive rock returns as it is used to build upon the folk elements of the piece. There are some incredible musical moments as this is built up.

Plowing the Sea This has a driving moment and a complex and layered arrangement. It’s a real powerhouse that’s pure progressive rock.

Blue Fix “Blue Fix” is closer to Renaissance than anything we’ve heard to this point. It’s a great track. It starts more folk-like and then powers out to more pure progressive rock.

S/he There’s some crunch to this, but some of the more country/folk instrumentation adds a very different air to the proceedings. It’s a cool tune and not a huge departure, but a bit different.

Dream Lifted Up Coming in with pure folk, this climbs upward a bit after the first verse. It rocks out as it continues. It eventually becomes pure progressive rock and some killer prog at that.

Penultimatum This reminds me a lot of Yes for some reason. In many ways it’s not all the different from the rest of the music here, but somehow it seems more Yes-like.

Under Covers A cut that’s very folk-like, there is still plenty of progressive rock in the mix, too. It rocks out in a very classic rock way later and there’s a smoking hot harmonica solo, too.

Painted Stars To me, this feels like a cross between Yes, Renaissance and Tori Amos. It’s another strong piece, but not a huge departure.

Moon Draw Your Curtain This one has a tendency towards more symphonic. It’s a great tune that has more of that Renaissance meets Tori Amos texture.

Limousine There are male vocals on this number, bringing something new to the table. It’s a more straight rock song, but there is still a lot of progressive rock on the table.

The Secret A cut that’s closer to the rest of the disc, this one is more folk oriented than some of the others.

Antique Heart There’s a feeling like a Celtic rock band on this. Taken by itself, I probably wouldn’t call this “progressive rock” at all. There is however, an instrumental section that makes me think of modern Yes a bit. This song has male vocals and is an intriguing change of pace.

Shouts in the Street Another pretty typical prog rocker, this one has both folk and Yes leanings to it.

Ethiopia There’s a lot of energy and power on this rocker. It’s got some great progressive rock elements to it.

It Will Not Be Late With more of an intricate ballad styling to it, this song is pretty and powerful. It’s a killer piece of music.

Angels This cut is supercharged and very powerful. It’s got a hard rocking element to it, but is pure progressive rock.

OHO--"Bricolage"

(Ohomusic OM057, CD+DVD)

Baltimore based OHO doesn't put out a lot of product, but when they do, they do it right.  Their latest offering is a combo CD+DVD covering material from a 24 year period, although most of it seems to be of more recent vintage.  The core band is David Reeve (drums, keyboards, vocals) and Jay Graboski (guitars, keyboards, vocals), joined by numerous auxiliary singers and instrumentalists--the exacting credits are enumerated along with the CD lyrics in a clever "special feature" of the DVD.  For the most part this is hip, jangly folk-pop with a somewhat proggy feel; the compositions are superb, succinct and highly melodic, consisting of song-length ideas worked into intriguing arrangements in a number of styles--energized, jubilant and brilliant in many different ways.  The vocalists have commanding and powerful voices; the instrumental arrangements employed are colorful and supportive, featuring violin, sax/flute, a horn section, acoustic/electric and steel guitars, keyboards, tin whistle, harmonica, mandolin, hammer dulcimer, backing harmony vocals, theremin and more.  Folky at the core, their sound rocks, clearly borne of modern vintage, fresh and vital, and not retro in any way.  The 13 main tracks (those new to Bricolage) are supplemented by 7 additional bonus cuts mostly pulled forward from their 1990 self-titled disc, 2003's UP, and The Oriency Anthology.  The DVD contains 12 songs--videos and live performances culled mostly from material on those earlier discs, though often with different arrangements.  In all, Bricolage is a superb entry point and comes highly recommended."

--Peter Thelen, editor (Expose')

Reminds me of the 60's and 70's. Not dated but very UPDATED. Happy people would like this music. Excellent pace. Great vocals. Violin/fiddle whatever!! Smokin'. Drummer is nonstop.

James David Squirewell

 

“OHO sounds like Jefferson Airplane landing on top of Genesis and then taking a time machine ride with Fairport Convention to play at H.G. Wells’ birthday party.”                                                                                                         -Jeff Lindhholm (Dirty Linen #106)

“A positively contagious, very pleasing sort of west-coast sound with jangly guitars mixed with celtic/folk elements, updated with modern production.   There are many gems here, the overtly psychedelic Dream Lifted Up being a standout.  Fans of finely crafted female-fronted pop will surely enjoy UP.”

                                                                                    –Peter Thelen (editor, Expose #29)

“A romantic, lushly harmonic collection having a wary, acid-folk edginess and unpredictable lyrics, one of the best things about the OHO recordings is how good they sound...every element in their intricate arrangements shines.”

                                                                        –Geoffrey Himes (The Washington Post)

“OHO’s music makes you want to exclaim the band’s very name!  This is intelligent power pop for the new millennium.  Truly innovative, their sound is ‘BIG,’ having elements of pop, folk, celtic, jazz and rock, all with an alternative twist.   Rhythms are alternately flowing and funky and are set beneath daring and creative melodies, excellent instrumentation and fantastic female vocalization, ideally suited for OHO’s tendency to employ minor chords.  Even with their sometimes spooky sound, the feeling is upbeat.  There are also sparkling guitars, grumbling bass and thoughtful lyrics.  UP is an excellent CD.  OHO!”                                                             -Les Reynolds (Indie-Music.com)

“UP is a brightly melodic collection of 19 impeccably played tracks sung by 5 supremely emotive female singers.  Man, this stuff is FUN!”   –John Collinge (editor, Progression)

“The men and women of OHO have been creating outstanding progressive rock in a career spanning 30 years, and while lineups may change, the musical quality and talent of the band remain the same.  With UP OHO proves again that it can still deliver the musical goods.”                                                                    -Greg Yost (Music Monthly)

“An imaginative exploration of affecting acoustic guitars, head-expanding lyricism blending with hi-tech bravado and a liberal dose of some of the brightest vocal harmonies your ears will ever absorb.  There is joy in nearly every groove.  UP is a fine testament to a band in which to clearly believe.”                                     -J. Doug Gill (Maryland Musician)   

Ink on Darkside Anthology

Frank K

Ink on “Vitamin OHO”

“Now--of all things—is OKINAWA’s follow-up.  ‘Vitamin OHO’ is more acceptably prog-complex than its forerunner, but it still has enough screw-loose guitar, Canterbury-odd lyricism and genial psychedelic whatsis to make it a piece of a sonic puzzle that’s slowly coming together. Cool!”                           –Forced Exposure,USA

“Resplendent with progressive flourishes, OHO maintains a surprising contemporary relevance. ‘Vitamin’ recalls Renaissance, Jethro Tull, Peter Gabriel’s Genesis, and Yes—the really cool stuff back when progressive rock seemed a natural extension of psychedelia.”                                                                           –Raging Smoulder #13, USA

“OHO arranges melodic motives effortlessly, utilizing their talents to lay out the music in a way that captures so many variations of expression and orchestration.  This is, after all, what made 70s prog so great.  Those familiar with the likes of Cathedral, Surprise, Lift or Mirthrandir will have a very good idea of what to expect here.  There’s enough mellotron, synths, and Frippian guitar work to satisfy the most discerning prog-rock fan.  With all the classic moves, it’s actually very good. Give it a shot!”                                                                                                        –Expose, US)

“The feverish dream of madmen/genii, OHO’s music maneuvers, folds and turns on itself exactly where it should...fascinating!”                                 -Music Connection, LA, USA

“A colorful collision between Henry Cow and Henry VIII, adventurous and futuristic jazz-flecked elemental chamber music fusing psychedelic and progressive moves into one fascinating whole. A near-perfect mastering job and enough liner notes to keep you amused through the boring bits, which consist mostly of the gaps between tracks.”                                                                                                         -Ptolemaic Terrascope, UK

“Intriguing and memorable, releasing this album now makes it sound more progressive than when originally recorded.  I mean, what is one to make of titles like ‘Hyphenate Ice-less’ and ‘Tinker’s Damn?’  ‘Vitamin’ recalls the days when albums were miniature cerebral universes you’d listen to late at night, when the only MTV was a black light, a hearty spleef and your imagination.  Every song is an epic of multiple time changes, classical allusions, mannered singing and obtuse pontification.”

                                                                                                                         –ROX, USA

“OHO are a highly competent progressive band with hints of King Crimson, Yes, Grobschnitt...a very un-American sound—and like contemporaries Happy the Man, they are inventive, with accents on complex structures, unusual time changes, dynamics and exceptional interplay among the musicians.  The music is so lively, hyperactive even, that it (Vitamin OHO) works really well as an album.”

                                                                                                            -Audion #22, UK

“An imaginative exploration of affecting acoustic guitars, head-expanding lyricism blending with hi-tech bravado, and a liberal dose of some of the brightest vocal harmonies your ears will ever absorb.  There is joy in nearly every groove.  Audition is a fine testament to a band in which to clearly believe.”                                                                                                –Music Monthly

“OHO’s music maneuvers, folds and turns on itself exactly where it should…fascinating!”

                                                                                                                           -Music Connection

“A romantic, post-acoustic, lushly harmonic collection, Audition has a wary, acid-folk edginess and often unpredictable lyrics.”                                                                           -Washington Post

Editors’ choice favorite selection.  “Melodic and thoughtful power pop on this Maryland quintet’s debut.”                                                                                                                 -CD Review

“Generating an irresistible urge to dance and sing, this album is a tight mesh of modern, melodic, crisp, groove rock with vocals that are clear, strong, and seamless, amazing guitar work, and songs that are contagious.  Watch out!”                                                          –University Reporter

“Imagine a modern Gentle Giant fused with Fleetwood Mac.”                     -Progression

“OHO have the measurable parameters of success with stellar, unwavering vocals, crystalline production of the material and J. P. Graboski’s award winning songs, which encompass elements of rock, pop, AC, and his own assiduous imagination.”                                                    -Rhythm

“OHO sneaks around the conventions that have mummified so many others.  For OHO the time is NOW!”                                                                       -J.D. Considine (famous music journalist)

The Ink on OHO’s OKINAWA 

OHO 09/2010

Okinawa

Rockadrome CD

www.rockadrome.com

The ever-excellent  Rockadrome label changes step, releasing this 1974 private press prog/experimental LP from Baltimore fruit loops OHO.

This version restores all the material that was supposed to make the original single LP a double--clocking in at a whopping 73 minutes.  There's a huge variety of style and shapes on offer here, moving from spoken word theatricality to acidic guitar lines, which cut across consistently strong material.  Despite the experimental nature of many of the songs, there are real tunes and hooks in abundance on many of the tracks.

This is an absolutely unique record--think of it somewhere between Genesis and Zappa if you need a reference point.  The tunefulness throughout acts a perfect counterweight to the more outlandish passages of music and surprises abound even after several listens.

OHO conjure up a truly mind-melting alternative world that you'll want to visit again and again.

The 2008 outing "Bricolage" is also available as a double CD/DVD set.--Austin Matthews

“OKINAWA is astonishingly full of weirdness that falls somewhere in Syd Barret-era Floydland: some psychedelia, some art noise, some bizarre theatrics—but all around inventive and well-crafted.”   -Ira Robbins, The Trouser Press Record Guide, USA

“OKINAWA is a weird pastiche of post-Zappa logic and Christopher Milk-like Anglo worship. The music is a combo of home-prog, dada-confused psych, and pot-stroked weirdness.  It’s a great album!”                      -Byron, Forced Exposure      

                                                                #18, USA

“An album of immense proportions.  There is a plethora of great music here.

There are jams in the progressive vein that really get up there in high gear, loads of analog keys, horn sections and most of all, complete zaniness.  It’s an excellent album really, so fascinating and extreme.”        -Mike McLatchey, Expose, USA

“An hour of this and you’ll be ready to be carried away to the tangerine jungle of marshmallow madness.”                               -Greg Shaw, BOMP! USA

“OKINAWA is ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ for the advanced listener.  Recommended to all who can release themselves from common sound structures and lend their ears to fantastic, almost avant-garde, progressive, varied and inspired ‘70’s music.  Dare to enjoy and take part in it!  Put it down as the best achievement of ’95.  Honor those who deserve to be honored.  OHO get the gold!”            -Hanf!, Germany

“OKINAWA features, amongst other delights, a monumental ‘piece’ entitled ‘The Plague’ (after the Camus book).”                      -Ptolemaic Terrascope, UK

“Just when you think you’ve heard and seen it all, here comes OHO with a collection of bona-fide weirdness from 1974.  The band thrives on irreverence in an off-kilter style borrowing from the likes of Genesis, Gentle Giant, Zappa, the Allman Brothers and Jack Bruce (if you can imagine that).  Then it’s all tossed together in a willy-nilly, slap-dash fashion that melds the best of spontaneous garage-rock with a Grateful Dead we-don’t-know-where-we’re-going-next sensibility.  Of course, it’s all in good fun, it’s got to be.  Definitely, one of a kind.”

–John Collinge, Progression, USA

“Best 70’s group of all!”              -Rolf Niemeier, Bucketful of Brains #3, UK

 “More than a rock group, 70’s OHO were an intellectual and artistic concept that smothered in the provincialism of the North American Hinterland.  The musicianship: top class, the music: penetrating, overdosed, blasphemous, oversexed, and progressive with genuine poetry as a fundamental cell of their mellifluous melodies.”                                      -Little Wing Promo Copy, 1991