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Wise Monkey Orchestra - They Live

California’s Wise Monkey Orchestra successfully built an East Coast fan base by their numerous appearances on last summer’s music festival/campout scene. On first listen to the 10 live tracks on They Live, the Steely Dan influences seem apparent, yet with a bit more funk. Lead vocalist Alley’s sexy, reaching vocals are a call out to the likes of Mariah Carey and Christina Aguielera to get on their pitiful little “diva” knees and pray for forgiveness. Backed by ex-Ratdog and Other Ones saxophonist Dave Ellis, WMO stands out on the outset track Movin’ Free. SLM has a slinky, samba feel, and the horns get a good workout on Grass Skirt. Definitely a “jamband” that caters to the dreadlocked-patchouli sector, Wise Monkey Orchestra’s contemporary jazz maturity could still find a home in mom and dad’s SUV. Ken Lawson.