The Least Greatest Hits Vol.1 & 2
Worst Pop Band Ever (Drew Birston; Adrean Farrugia; Chris Gale; Dafydd Hughes; LEO37; Tim Shia)
Independent n/a (wpbe.bandcamp.com/album/the-least-greatest-hits-vol-1-2)
The somewhat whimsical name of this genre-bending jazz ensemble belies the clear excellence of the exceptional musicians and composers who founded the group more than two decades ago – and continue to record, write and tour throughout Canada, North America and the immediate world! With the release of their new two-volume collection, the group re-visits, explores and in some cases re-imagines 15 memorable compositions that have been a solid part of this popular group’s diverse repertoire. The majority of the compositions here were penned by the ensemble and are described as having influences that range from Wayne Shorter and J Dilla to Levon Helm.
This group dances on that fine line between improvisational jazz and indie pop, and is always full of surprises and fresh perspectives. The superb Toronto-based core ensemble includes upright and electric bassist Drew Birsten, pianist/keyboardist Adrean Farrugia, Chris Gale on tenor and baritone sax, Dafydd Hughes on synths and keyboards, turntable-est/vocalist LEO37 and drummer/percussionist/synthesist Tim Shia. The luminous guest artists on the project include vocalists Caity Gyorgy, Elizabeth Shepherd and Rhonda Stakich as well as trumpeter Rebecca Hennessy and soprano saxophonist Hsien Minyen.
Included in the wealth of fine material here are several standouts, including Shia’s Love is for Losers, which features a moving piano solo from Farrugia as well as a stunning tenor solo from Gale, enhanced by an ironic and groovy lyric rendered by Gyorgy. Vacation for the Emotionally Challenged is a funky, percussive dive propelled by Shia’s skilled percussion work, and the sumptuous blues Too Much News again highlights Farrugia’s gorgeous technique on Rhodes. Other gems include Year of the Tiger and Believe Beleft Below – all rendered with consummate musicianship, taste and even a bit of humour!
