This self-titled album is the first CD by the Cigar Box Serenaders, whose second, Spasm, has been reviewed elsewhere in The Syncopated Times. All instruments played here (string) were hand made by leader Brett Gardner from such objects as empty cigar boxes, a tomato can, and a dresser drawer. His created percussion is assorted pots, pans, lids, and upended plastic trash cans. Amazingly enough, the music is very good, which is indicative of the very high quality musicianship of the players involved.
Brett Gardner plays lead on all tunes, utilizing cigar box guitar, drone-o-phone, and tenor canjo. Cassidy Holden performs accompaniment on tenor canjo and cigar box ukelele along with Matt Booth on dresser drawer bass. Gerald T. Watkins clatters nicely on the various percussion objects. All are very capable soloists as well as creating a cohesive ensemble.
The repertory, although quite varied, should appeal to most traditional jazz enthusiasts, even their version of Thelonious Monk’s “Straight, No Chaser.” The opener, an original by Gardner titled “Samurai Shuffle,” is reminiscent of the many swing tunes done by Django Reinhardt with the Hot Club Of France, while “Stardust” is a quartet version of the 1932 Louis Armstrong record. “Hindustan” and “Tico-Tico No Fuba” have a pronounced Latin feel. The Gardner original “Lavender Grey” and “I’ll Be Seeing You”
