If you haven't noticed the tablers in the dining halls or the posters in every dorm, the efforts of the Jumbo Audio Project are upon us. But unlike department shows or recitals, this project has resulted in a work both artistic and physical: an 18-track CD of music written and performed by Tufts musicians.
The 18 selected tracks, chosen from a pool of over 25 submissions, not only reflect stylistic diversity but audibly display impressive, professional production values. There's blues, rap, funk, folk, rock - and much of it is indistinguishable from anything you'd hear on the radio. While the tracks are "scrambled" to create a more diverse listening experience, it's easier to talk about them by category.
Ian Greenhouse kicks off the CD with "What Is It?," an adorable number that takes time-tested lyrics and melodies, then adds backing vocals and electronic samples for flavor. Bub Ed Boyer also takes the male singer-songwriter path, proving his vocal range over a looped beat on "Stranded." So does Joel Cairo, whose "After Thoughts" features his confident, gravelly, detached voice.
Three artists take the female singer-songwriter path. Ex-College instructor Katie McD's "75 Cents" is pure folk rock. With a full band backing her and gentle vocal harmonies propelling the song, McD fits right into the established Somerville folk scene. Nico Juber's "One More Kiss" is a song that hurts: grungy electric guitars and Juber's delicate lyrics, always building toward the song's chorus: "I'd give it all for one more kiss..."
And then there's the stunning Annette Farrington, whose tour de force "Dive" might be the most compelling track on the album: it's literally got everything. Lyrical depth, Farrington's incredible vocal range, a bouncy beat, an intense bridge, and a bassline so simple you can't forget it.
In the jam category, Redshift 6 serves up its "Captain Wonderpants," a disco-tinged track reminiscent of Soulive's work. Guitars slide up and down over a danceable bassline and some truly hip organ solos. The Boston Funk Band reinterprets the Chicago blues on a track called, well, "Chicago Blues." Jazz chords mesh together nicely between keyboards and guitar, below the blues' traditionally simplistic, omniscient lyrics.
J.A.P. also serves up a host of alternative/rock selections: Drowned's "These Days" mixes up fuzzy guitars and poignant lyrics: "Would you rebuild this Jericho if it came tumbling down?" Stellar's "Come to You" makes use of a chorus-y, bouncy guitar line over delicate-but-scratchy vocals. Carefully placed cymbal crashes add to the song's ethereal effect.
Human performs "After Its Over," a grungy, depressing, and contemplative number. Meanwhile, Doug Fell Down's "Little Fish" combines elements of blues and emo to create a sing-along that's sad, happy, and bouncy all at once. YGS' "Dear Sarah" is straightforward three-chord rock, a bittersweet and sometimes funny letter to an ex-girlfriend gone away for good.
Dan Aaronson provides the only solo instrumental, "Nod to Bruce," which inspires a vision of fingers dancing over smoking piano keys. His knowledge of the instrument and pure speed shine through on the inspiring track. Similarly, there's only one techno track, Fede's "La'Madda," which blends samples and saxophone blips over a frenetic beat.
The album's three rap selections are among its most memorable. Afrodzak's "Lyrical Aerobics," despite the trite title, throws down the kind of beat that you can't get out of your head - as well as some slick rhymes. Infiniti & MPC provide "Who Gon Do It," taking a more vengeful approach to rapping. The duo provides a selection of attitudinal, anti-"hater", ego-thumping rhymes.
HMO's "TU-Nite," however, is doubtlessly the most hilarious song on the album. With an almost-comical '80s-style beat and hilarious sound samples, the song follows a group of drunken Tufts students around on Friday night, from chicken Teriyaki at Carmichael to the frats to Boston Ave. HMO on 123: "Here's the catch: the place is sketch/ Too many townies, they on some quicker picker-uppers, but not Bounty...Out the window, saw lights flashin'/ It's only twelve, how can cops be crashin'?"
As a physical object, Jumbo Audio Product Volume 1 is as impressive as the music it contains: it's a professionally produced and duplicated CD, complete with student artwork and photos of each contributor. This first volume is a timely chronicle of an underside of Tufts that unfortunately doesn't get the respect it deserves. Pick one up, soon.
The Jumbo Audio Project, Volume I will be available at Dewick and Carmichael this week. It is also offered at the bookstore. For further information, see www.jumboaudioproject.com.
