Picked-up pieces

Jeffrey Liggins, the Slip, and more

by Michael Caito

I was a little embarrassed when I finally located the full-length release of Jeffrey Liggins' Slip Away (Albatross). It had been several months since we had received this Providence resident's four-song EP, so when this arrived I thought it was a dupe of that one.

Wrong, but better late than never. Liggins has fleshed out the R&B talents hinted at on the EP several months ago, and Slip Away has numerous tracks which would fit in nicely on 360 on WBRU on Sundays. I'm kinda surprised I haven't heard it there (it's locked on Sundays at my house . . . never boring, always giving new releases -- gospel, R&B, rap and hip-hop -- loads of airplay). To Liggins' credit, I only discovered that he played all instruments when searching for some talented guitarist's name in the liner. That's always a positive sign. In the extremely crowded R&B field, Liggins manages an even more impressive feat -- locating and sticking with his own style. It would be easy enough to attempt to recreate the smoothness of R. Kelly or even Bobby Brown, and while Liggins' range is not profound or elastic, his voice is what keeps the record together. It's a friendly and romantic disc, going easy on the ubiquitous bedroom banter which seems to always take up three tracks, minimum, on R&B discs. By the same token, he creates situations that won't readily lend themselves to schmaltzy junior-prom requests. It's adult, contemporary, and believable, so let's hope the Houston-based label sticks with Liggins and we all get to hear some more. A fine release.

THE SLIP

The Slip: From the Gecko (KARecords 11-song CD)

A thoughtfully-crafted release from the Allston-based trio who bend the parameters of rock and jazz at will and apply a deft touch to their quicksilver cadences. It's little wonder that they play with Abdoul Doumbia a lot in Providence. From a rock perspective there are elements of the Dead, Steely Dan and Phish, though don't be surprised if they bounce a Caribbean, then a West African shimmer off you before you realize it's there. Complex, contemplative yet surprisingly relaxed, the trio's best weapon is this looseness to which they apply their obviously strong playing. It enters that elusive third dimension, enabling one to share taste and temperature and the joy of a wondrous discovery.

One of the first tapes I ever received as a reviewer was from a little-known band called Phish. I think it was late '90. I dug it then and still have it, and though many have tried to ape them, none have succeeded. The Slip -- Andrew and Brad Barr and Marc Friedman -- don't try, and any comparison is pointless since it's evident that this trio has incorporated a more global and metaphorical perspective. The jazz they employ is less a result of listening to and noodling along with fusion records and more of a free-jazz meets Wynton meets Puente feel . . . adventurous and incredibly tasteful, each note natural as breathing. Guitar, bass, Rhodes, drums plus occasional saxophonist guests, all of whom evidently understand what The Slip are getting at. Icannot pin that down and do not want to, but it's new, sounds fantastic (kudos to Mr. Correia at Celebration) and it's past time to hear these impressive musical ideas live.

The Slip appear at the Living Room July 26. Contact them at http:// www.theslip.com.

SCENE, NOT HERD. I recently purchased my first Spin magazine in about five years for one reason:Ani DiFranco on the cover. Besides giving dishing kudos to comedian Chris Rock plus the Verve Pipe and Blur, there was a smallish feature on Michael Daugherty. Long-time amigo of Rhode Island Philharmonic music director Larry Rachleff, the piece ("Superman meets Stravinsky: Composer Daugherty makes classical music pop"), it mentioned his "Jackie O" opera, a piece titled "What's That Spell" focusing on the relationship between, uhhh, Ken and Barbie and, of course, his Metropolis Symphony, a thrilling segment of which was performed in a Philharmonic premiere at Vets a few months ago. His upcoming release on Argo has the working title American Icons, on it Daugherty will "channel the spirit of Liberace" and address the King in "Dead Elvis." When recorded live by the highly esteemed Cleveland Orchestra, an old Latin death chant was performed by a bassoonist dressed as Presley while the rest of the Orchestra wore tuxes. Your Zen moment of the week.

By the way, DiFranco and pal Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) are cooking up an antidote to the wuss Lilith Fest called the Rolling Thunder Pussy Revue. Why am Inot surprised? DiFranco opens for Jakob Dylan's dad at Great Woods in a few weeks, skipping Newport Folk this summer.

AGAIN.The Slip rearrange the groove at the Living Room on the 26th, while Shed and State of Corruption hit the Met hard on the same night. Dropdead, Land and Forcefield appear at the Met on the 27th, and Supergrass invade Lupo's on the 30th. On the 29th, the Warped Tour visits Northampton, with main-stagers including the Descendents, the Bosstones, Social Distortion and Pennywise. Second-stage appearances include Tree and the Amazing Royal Crowns, who last weekend headlined Boston's Paradise -- an impressive Satnite slot. John Allmark's 16-piece jazz band, who usually include vocalist par excellence Clay Osborne, have shifted their Monday night gig over to Bootleggers (formerly Shooters). The New England Reggae Festival occurs this weekend at Stepping Stone Ranch in Escoheag; Sunday's lineup includes Mystic Jammers and Abdoul Doumbia.

The Call continues their weekly early shows with the Blues Buffet; an all-star band includes Thom Enright and Chris Turner. Singer/ harmonica genius Turner is also a member of the Providence Wholebellies (with bassist Rick Massimo, accordionist/ penny whistle player Phil Edmonds, also of Pendragon, fiddler Rachel Maloney and guitarist/singer Steve Dubois), who play Fridays right after work. So Thursday or Friday you always hear great stuff from those who know their trad isn't a fad. Construction is continuing apace in the Boiler Room, the new club adjacent to the Call. Reportedly several of the Hidden Agenda/Renegade-sponsored rock shows will be shifted there once it opens. Have a luvly.