An intergenerational band mixing spoken word rhythm, Iggy Pop punk and ambient beats with a crisscross of bass, drum & sax, The Bopaphonics were born as a houseband for a theatrical spoken word and music show, the Bopaphonic Poetry Circus (BPC). P-Bop is their first studio recording (a live BPC disc was their recorded debut). An EP of political songs you can dance to, in styles ranging from punk to punk funk to ambient hip hop, P-Bop was released in September 2004, and has received airplay in Europe and on US left of the dial stations. The Bopaphonics are:
Robert Baker - words, tenor sax
Tom Bomstad - guitar
Paul Hotvedt - drums
Astrid McMullen-Baker - bass, alto sax (track 6)
Honorary Bopaphonic: Barry Barnes(words & djembe,tracks 1 & 6)
Special guests: Bradford Hoopes, organ & melodica & Chubby Smith, resonator, Miles Bonny - beats.
Produced by Colin Mahoney
www.bopaphonics.com
Artwork by San Francisco artist, Angela Baker(bakerart.com)
"When local beat poet Barry Barnes and The Reverend MC Bakerbop put their spin on..."Compared To What"...they change the name to "Make It Real" because the tune is so heavily renovated. It doesn't lose its protestant fervor or its catchy flavor - if anything it is even more strident and demanding than the original...Among other tidbits it includes an interesting rework of "The Age of Aquarius" from the rock opera HAIR called "New Age Imperialist"...The closing number on the CD is a tune that showcases Barnes' unique style of poetry in a musical setting called "Are You Ready for the War?" "Wake up people! We've been sleepin' again!" is the rally cry and we are taken on an almost Gorillaz-like ride across a tonal suburban landscape layered over by Barnes' voice...The bass playing by Astrid McMullen-Baker throughout the recording is an artistic treat second only to the excellent artwork. I recommend you buy it and enjoy it today!"
- With Great Love,
Brother Dave
The Lawrencian, November 2004
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