A bundle of sweet, expertly molded madness, Sao Paulo Slim (OMM) harks back to early Caetano Veloso with splashes of Bonzo Dog Band, Captain Beefheart and the Sun City Girls--all purveyors of sublime perversity that's a ball to imbibe. Released last year, Slim is the byproduct of a rich collaboration between Cyro Baptista (percussion), Kevin Breit (guitar) and newest member Ian de Souza (bass).
Unlike some of their more horn honking, noisemaker swinging forebears, Supergenerous has an ease of touch, a lightness that entices more effectively than a clanging bell (though they can make a racket when the mood strikes). Titles like God Didn't Make No Walmart" and Cut Your Toenails Baby (Cuz You're Rippin' The Sheets)" are leavened by Pining For Fall," an appropriately pastoral stroll, a wistful instrumental reworking of Fred Neil's Everybody's Talkin'," a fab cover of Steve Earle's I Ain't Ever Satisfied" (with Sue Patrick Breit singing) and a halting arrangement of Home On The Range," where guest vocalist Cassandra Wilson shines.
This is a mad quilt that's crazy like a fox. Captured in a single day session, Sao Paulo Slim is turbulent grace and bold tenderness, and a treat not to be missed.
Supergenerous:Sao Paulo Slim
By: Dennis Cook