Wang Dang
Doodles, Volume One
© 2004 2Geaux Records (829757588728)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Wang Dang is a groundbreaking instrumental and vocal duo in the tradition of Hot Tuna that is influenced by many different styles of music, performed with the unusual combination of National Resonator guitar and 8-string electric bass.
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Wang Dang is Billy Courtman (National Resonator guitars, acoustic guitars, vocals) and Jeff Ganz (8-string electric basses, piccolo bass, vocals). Billy and Jeff have earned eclectic resumes, having worked with varied performers such as Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Roy Buchanan, Chuck Berry, Edgar Winter and Gerry Mulligan. Their music features unique interpretations of vocal and instrumental material from a broad range of artists and musical styles.
"Astounding musicianship; your doodles are spectacular!" was the reaction from Will Lee, the highly respected bassist from "The Late Show with David Letterman". Expressions such as "fun", "innovative" and "blew me away!" have also been used to describe Wang Dang's live performances and their debut CD, "Doodles, Volume One".
Not limited by any pigeon-holing with regard to repertoire, the CD gets down to business with the Sonny Rollins jazz standard "Doxy".
An energetic workout for the boys on "Mercury Blues" is next, with Billy on lead vocals.
"Soul Serenade", long associated with King Curtis, features a lyrical performance by Billy on National Baritone guitar.
The T. Rex rock anthem "Bang A Gong" (Get It On) has Jeff doing lead vocals, backed by a spirited children's chorus that features Adam Boyko and Jesse Courtman.
An innovative rendition of Jimmy Page's classic acoustic composition "White Summer" showcases Jeff on solo piccolo bass.
Billy's passionate guitar and vocal work highlight the next track, "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue", the Bob Dylan chestnut.
This version of Booker T. and the M.G.'s "Time Is Tight" proves that drums are not always needed to cop a powerful R&B groove.
The gutsy "Gin Soaked Boy" by Tom Waits has Jeff on 5-string upright bass and lead vocals, with Billy playing Dobro.
A daring rendering of the fusion masterpiece "Chameleon" follows, reminding the listener of Wang Dang's courage to try anything in virtually any musical style.
"Monkey Around" is Delbert McClinton's roadhouse rocker that seems to hook kids as well as grownups. Jeff is on lead vocals.
The CD concludes with a beautiful solo instrumental performance by Billy of "Resta Cum Me", a ballad made famous by the Italian vocal legend Domenico Modugno.
Wang Dang has come up with a musically intriguing concept, and delivers a charismatic CD that has something for everyone.
reviews
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Please, Sir, may I have some more?
author: Joanne PiusIt's the kind of music that no matter who is in the room, and what their tastes are, they will love this - with a capital L.
Mesmerizing!
author: Lynda Benedetto (vocalist)Masterful... Meticulous...Mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!
Wang Dang Indeed!
author: Vinnie Zummo (Producer of the N.Y.Cutz sample series on Zero G,I have known and played with Jeff Ganz for a long time and always grooved on his unique abilities as a Mondo Wacko bass player and raconteur. He is really a one of a kind player with a solid gold rep' who can play anything in any pocket. This CD took me by total shock. Such a unique project! Billy is a world class one of a kind player and together they create a quite unusual noise. Wang Dang has that thing where at times you can't tell who is playing what and it sounds so good and swings so hard, you don't really care. It's timeless, like all great music tends to be, and just think......This is ONLY THE FIRST album!!! Keep da' groove simmering, gentlemen. Can't wait to hear the next one!
This here's the real deal!
author: Mike SwanI've known these guys for years. This goes to show that you can always be surprised with what your friends are into. This is hot, tasty and full of soul.
Great Gift!
author: Marty MillerGreat CD. Bought 2! One for me and one for a gift. Can't wait until I see them live.
- author: Carey Ziegler
Just got my Wang Cd. Wow!!!! Hope they come to Baltimore!!
Wang Dang is a WOW !
author: Julie BuddJeff Ganz and Billy Courtman are, I think, two of the best !
It is really a wonderful project!
author: Roger SadowskyJust wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I love the Wang Dang CD. Billy's playing is the best I've heard this side of Ry Cooder! Keep up the good work!
I listened - I like!
author: Chris Jisi from Bass Player magazineOriginal, fun, fresh, refreshing; two heavy veteran cats having fun and drawing us all in with their enthusiasm and musicality. My faves are the slap solo on "Mercury Blues", the vocals/bass on "Bang A Gong," the piccolo performance on "White Summer," "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" (and "Resta.." too), and the swingin' version of "Chameleon."
I really love this CD!
author: Fred Fried (7-string jazz guitarist; www.fredfried.com)It’s just wonderful to hear what great stuff can come from two master musicians playing what they want to play. Billy Courtman and Jeff Ganz, individually great soloists, seem to have that indefinable chemistry that adds up to the whole being even greater than its' parts. I’m amazed that without drums they can generate such infectious grooves. I’m equally blown away by the diversity of the material, and the fact they arrive at a sound which is uniquely their own.
Wonderfully done, upliftnig and exciting pieces to have fun listening.
author: Bob Haft Musical ProductionsThe artists in this CD show great musicianship with a top rated group of pieces masterfully done. It appeals to all us Floridians who miss the New York scene and the innovative interpretations of the wonderful composers.This CD is a BUY for all to enjoy.
- author: Mitch Colby (Senior Vice President, Marshall Amplification)
I’m listening to Wang Dang right now. It’s great!
I like the CD!
author: Dick ShurmanStrong playing and very tasteful in a low key way. It's an obvious reflection of genuine teamwork along with quality musicianship and singing, always an exemplary combination. Good choice of material, too. Congratulations and good luck!
Highly recommend!
author: GregLoved the solo of Resta Cum Me, great rendition.