Cadence

Dream of the Serpent Dog - Review

Cadence - February 1998

THE REVIEW of JAZZ & BLUES: CREATIVE IMPROVISED MUSIC

BOBBY E./CLINT HOOVER/JIM CHENOWETH, DREAM OF THE SERPENT DOG,MR. BIPPS 4620.

This multi-fronted group plays a brand of Jazz that includes sad melodies and happy-time music wrapped in blues-infested tunes and lyrical ballads, all dominated by the harmonica sounds of Hoover.  His dominance notwithstanding, they bill themselves under the three names.  Percusionist Santiago appears on all cuts but does not get billing status.

Hoover's harmonica has a lovely tone to it, whether he is using the chromatic or diatonic version.  His playing has a definite sound relationship to the accordian and even though it is the principal voice, it does not overwhelm you.  Each of the album's tunes was penned by one of the three billed leaders with the exception of the bluesy "Snake Oil" which was co-composed by Hoover and Bobby E.  Hoover wrote the title piece.  It is an exploratory melody with Eastern European underpinnings allowing plenty of space for individuality.   Hoover seems to be most at home playing heart-rending ballads.  His instrument lends itself to this melancholic mode, and he creates a plaintive atmosphere on songs of that type.

Booby E. sticks with the acoustic guitar throughout the set.  He is an extremely melodic player as a soloist and an apt rhythm maker behind Hoover.  His solo on "Snake Charmer" is particularly well done.  An egalitarian effort is shown on "The Schlepp."  Although not a long song, each of the four artists solo in sequence after the basic theme.  Even Santiago gets a turn.  Chenoweth opens the final cut with a short mood-setting solo, but his principal role is in the support mode.

This group is surprisingly delightful to hear and certainly has written some unique songs.  Although the recording claims joint leadership, you will come away with the realization that Hoover and his harmonica are really the mainstay of this group.

Frank Rubolino