Search - Billy X. Curmano :: Billy X: Solo Set

"Solo Set", the definative Billy X. CD, was captured as a live studio recording with no over-dubbing or other cheap tricks. It's far from the usual musical mix. Sure, there's plenty going on in the vocals, melodies and rhythms to tweak the ear of even the most discerning and intelligent folk-blues-jazz and spoken word devotee, but there's a whole lot more. "Billy X: Solo Set" is a compilation of material that evolved through edgy and eccentric performances over years of living life as art. For example, Billy X. was buried alive for three days with the words to "Epitaph" etched on his tombstone. "River Rap", "Baptize Me" and "Recycle Mantra" surfaced during his 2,367.4 mile Mississippi River swim as a performance and environmental statement. "Genesis 9:1.1" followed a 40 day fast in Death Valley in his search for the spiritual in art. He uses an unusual blend of jazz inspired poetry and music along with an odd assortment of instruments to create what he sometimes refers to as "riff-rap". Twenty-two cuts in 72 minutes highlight his passion for dulcimer, guitar, harmonica, mbira, ocean harp, vibraphone and both the sung and spoken word. His compositions often segue into free form improvisations or haunting repetitive musical phrasing. "If you're looking for some mellow, easy-listening music, "Solo Set" is not it. But if you would like some thought-provoking, irreverent, iconoclastic observations of human nature set to music, then Billy X is your man. I particularly like "NY Conversation" which gives a slice of life from the streets. Billy X riffs and raps on politics, war, ecology, religion and philosophy. The mood ranges from light-hearted silly to gut-wrenching sadness. Listen up!" - Monty Williams at CD Baby