Relix Magazine
www.relix.com/magazine

Relix - February 2001 - Vol. 28 No. 1

Wise Monkey Orchestra
They Live
(Lauan)

They Live is a gritty live album from San Diego's Wise Monkey Orchestra. The Sextet's already full sound is complemented by guest saxophonist Dave Ellis (the Other Ones, RatDog and Charlie Hunter Trio; Ellis plays on five tracks.) Robbie Helm also guests on sax on a number of cuts. The ten tracks on the disc prove to be some of the best funk-filled, horn-propelled music you're likely to hear. The sound quality of the recording is also quite exceptional. The band gets into a meaty jazz groove in "SLM," one of the tracks to feature Ellis. "Space," as the title indicates, is a more atmospheric piece that begins with flute and sax interplay laid over a powerhouse rhythm. The song builds in intensity with some biting guitar work and represents modern-day fusion at its best. Vocalist Alley gives her tonsils a real workout in the soulful "Demons," the spunky "Movin' Free" and ultra-funky "Colorblind."