VALLEY OF FIRE the first jomf studio release since critically acclaimed 2005 cd, FLAGS OF THE SACRED HARP (atp recordings), will be issued by textile records this oct. produced by adam forkner (yume bitsu, white rainbow, k records), VALLEY OF FIRE contains 3 brand new finely crafted songs on side one, and on side two, a 20 minute classic psychedelic, dirt road journey. the record represents the two equally facinating aspects of jomf sonwriting, and musical arrangement. over the years, jackie-o motherfucker have spent equal time writing and arranging classic american folk and blues, with long, free-form compositions, drawing comparisons to 1960’s and 70’s ensembles like ASH RA TEMPLE, AMON DUL, AMM, FAUST, CAN, and THE CHICAGO ART ENSEMBLE, while at the same time, developing a song crafting style that has drawn on a musical language passed down through generations. from classic arrangements of traditional spirituals, and work songs from the american south, “go down old hanah”, “amazing grace” (fig. 5) to modern arrangements of greenwich village folk from the 1960’s, “somethings on your mind” -dino valente/karen dalton (liberation), to completely original jomf classics “everyday”, and “hey! mr. sky” (change, flags....) jackie-o motherfucker have trawled the dusty corners of history, and absorbed the languages of past generations, twisting the elements to form a new style which has been appropriated by musicians all over the world.
VALLEY OF FIRE begins with “sing your own song” an original composition with vocals by eva salens (inca ore) recorded in charlottesville virginia, lyrics written by street poet URIAH J. FIELDS, the song addresses the importance of the individual voice, rising above a rotten political structure ...LIFT UP YOUR VOICE AND SING....!
track two, titled “valley of fire”, another jomf original composition, was recorded in leeds, england over the winter of 2006, with further production in portland by adam forkner. track three, is a jomf arrangement of a beach boys song from their lonesome and wasted record, “surf’s up”. also recorded in leeds england, in the living room of lauren naylor, with further production in portland by adam forkner. it is an incredibly dark and minimal arrangement of the song, with an awesome vocal contribution from forkner. side two is a side long composition titled “we are/chanel zero with vocals by eva salens and tom greenwood, in typical jomf style, it takes the listener on a lysergic ride through the misty atmosphere... a minimal, free-form/dub exploration of the classic public enemy track “chanel zero”. recorded live in london, with post-production by adam forkner in portland.
VALLEY OF FIRE picks up the trail of FLAGS OF THE SACRED HARP, and wanders down a similar path, adding elements of krautrock, and classic west-coast american production to create an incredible, original album.
the band is planning a european tour in the fall of 2007 to support the release. traveling as a 5 piece ensemble, including TOM GREENWOOD (voice/guitar), DANNY SASAKI (drums), NICK BINDEMAN (guitar), DANA VALATKA (electronic percussion, voice), and NATALIE MERING (voice, guitar)
this particular line-up of the band have been working together for almost three years, in several formations, and have developed a strong language of sound, as well as a knowlege of past jomf songs, constantly arranging and re-arranging, adding new breath into a huge catalog of work. expect the most fluid and cohearent performances in the history of this exciting and shape-shifting american band. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackie-O Motherfucker was formed in 1994 by Tom Greenwood and Nester Bucket layering guitars and sax over hand cut analog tape loops and collage, collections of found sound, field recordings, cut-up classic rock, hip-hop beats and 4-tracked drones. Assembled and processed, the band rehearsed often in the basement of an abandoned drug store on Mississippi St. in North Portland. The first live performances featured an amplified reel to reel tape machine and electric guitar while additions of live percussion, 8-track tapes, alto sax, and a turntable filled out the sound. Many of the performances of this time were done to provide a live musical score for shadow puppet theatre.
After a US/European tour in the late summer of 2003 the east coast configuration of JOMF temporarily dissolved, with members returning to Brooklyn and Montreal. The group re-assembled in Portland and recording sessions began for Flags of the Sacred Harp. Honey Owens returned to working with the group again, having departed after Fig. 5 to work with her other group Nudge (kranky). The new configuration also includes guitarist Adam Forkner (Umi Bitsu, Whiterainbow, Devendra Banhart).
Flags of the Sacred Harp, the first full length JOMF studio release in three years, will be issued in November 2005 on ATP Recordings. Over a year in the making, Flags of the Sacred Harp displays the groups patient and evolved songwriting style with historic references to American blues and hymns. One of the most focused and sublime releases from Jackie-O Motherfucker, the release contains songs that are all manifestations, mutations and re-interpretations of old blues and gospel, specifically from an old hymnal called "The Sacred Harp". Three lush, beautiful vocal arrangements on each side of a 17 minute soaring instrumental making a total of 7 songs unfolding over 70+ minutes. Flags of the Sacred Harp is an epic recording documenting the groups maturing skills in writing, arranging and production and is a timeless de-construction of American music.
To JackieO We are playing Lolas Room tomorrow the 14th. Come on down if you can. Cheers, Casey
an evening with Casey Neill & the Norway Rats. Wed May 14th- PORTLAND, OR Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom EARLY SHOW - 7pm doors, 8pm start, $8, No Smoking we are fresh off a month of touring and and playing a full 2 set show. The band features Ezra Holbrook, Jenny Conlee, Adam East, Little Sue, Lewi Longmire and Hanz Araki
