Search - Jean-Jacques Perrey, Dana Countryman :: Destination Space

More Than "Zany;" Musical, Playful and Thoughtful

Frank M. Young III | Seattle, WA USA | 11/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The second collaboration of Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman may surprise those in search of the same ol' same ol'.



"Expect the unexpected" has been a tacit motto of Perrey for several decades. We hear a more serious side of Perrey on this disc. Not serious as in brooding, morose or grumpy. Perhaps 'contemplative' or 'reflective' are better words.



Worry not--when you see a song titled "Kittens on the Moon," you know that JJP has not turned his back on the zany, goofy and delightful. Indeed, Perrey's impish wit is well in evidence. "Barn Dance on Saturn" and "18th Century Robot" should satisfy anyone jonesing for that unique collision of music, SFX and found-sound humor for which Mr. Perrey is so beloved.



When the mood becomes more dramatic and contemplative, it creates a fascinating and welcome variety. Pieces such as "The Girl From Berlin," "Agent 29's Escape" and Dana Countryman's composition "Rhapsody" run an emotional gamut from spy-movie suspense to classical music.



Most surprising is the pentultimate cut, "Beyond the Milky Way," perhaps the first Perrey recording to feature a voice singing lyrics. It's not a human voice--that's all I'll say. The song itself is oddly moving, with a haunting melody and thoughtful lyrics. It comes at just the right moment on this many-mooded album.



The disc closes with a piece by Erik Satie.



Dana Countryman brings great enthusiasm, musicianship and supportiveness to this project. His input truly allows Jean-Jacques Perrey to shine.



If you enjoyed this duo's prior disc, and haven't heard this sophomore effort, you're in for a pleasant--and rewarding--surprise. I hope we'll see many more CDs from this talented and ideal collaboration."