“Cinzano & Cocaine” and “Idler”
“Cinzano & Cocaine” and “Idler” Carl Henry Brueggen
These three-song EPs, the first done in 1991 and the second on 1992, are bossa lounge confections. These light-as-a-feather tracks fit wonderfully into the exotica genre. Brueggen does not show off his guitar work, instead blending it into a mix that includes Latin percussion, vibes, flute, and occasional “dabadaba” and “oo-oo” vocals by Nora O’Connor of the New Pornographers.
The two CDs are similar in sound. “Idler” includes two violinists and two viola players, so it has a more orchestral sound with less emphasis on percussion. It also has Joseph Vito on accordion, adding a bit of a European sound. Although both CDs were done at different studios, the production on each is similar, giving a smooth sound to all the instruments. Even the lap steel guitar (on “Cocaine”) and the pedal steel (on “Idler”) fit in like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
Bossa and Latin music fans might find the Chicago-based Brueggen’s work not authentic enough. However, as a lover of Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, I expect to enjoy a few martinis to these two.
- Dave Howell
These three-song EPs, the first done in 1991 and the second on 1992, are bossa lounge confections. These light-as-a-feather tracks fit wonderfully into the exotica genre. Brueggen does not show off his guitar work, instead blending it into a mix that includes Latin percussion, vibes, flute, and occasional “dabadaba” and “oo-oo” vocals by Nora O’Connor of the New Pornographers.
The two CDs are similar in sound. “Idler” includes two violinists and two viola players, so it has a more orchestral sound with less emphasis on percussion. It also has Joseph Vito on accordion, adding a bit of a European sound. Although both CDs were done at different studios, the production on each is similar, giving a smooth sound to all the instruments. Even the lap steel guitar (on “Cocaine”) and the pedal steel (on “Idler”) fit in like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
Bossa and Latin music fans might find the Chicago-based Brueggen’s work not authentic enough. However, as a lover of Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, I expect to enjoy a few martinis to these two.
- Dave Howell