Customer Reviews

Mo Hippa

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Initially I was going to say that this CD should be used in hospitals as a test for whether someone is alive or dead. Just put it on and watch the feet; if the patient is still alive (even if they're in a coma), they will start dancing. That's what I was going to say, but on second listen, I realize that this CD would make even dead people dance. Hell, this recording would even make Dick Cheney get up and shake some action.

Their version of People Say even eclipses the mighty Meters--something I never thought I would live to say. The whole band is red hot, but the drummer, Eddie Christmas, deserves a special mention. He's the best second-line drummer I've ever heard, even better than Zigaboo. He is endlessly inventive, with tremendous sensitivity and dynamics and sense of displaced downbeat that will have your hips doing things no chiropractor ever dreamed of. But the main thing is how the band plays as a whole, like one incredibly funky person with eight arms. Jon's singing has never sounded better or more soulful. The whole thing is recorded beautifully, and really captures the happy energy of the band (I've seen them twice, and they are one of the best live bands I've ever seen). Don't think about it; just buy this.

This is a truly "smokin'" set from the New Orleans based Funk, Blues, Jazz, Rock pianist Jon Cleary and his Absolute Monster gentlemen.

Recorded live in Australia last year, this performance comprises songs from Cleary's albums and some New Orleans standards of- Professor Longhair, The Meters, and King Floyd whose music remains alive in these capable hands. The playing is tight, funky and soulful, with a steady groove and some heavy riffs on guitar from "Big D" Perkins. The record is well recorded and it is impossible to stop your feet from tapping once the disc commences playing.

I listened to this disc following a listen to the new Rolling Stones Live set/soundtrack to the new film. I probably will never listen to the Stones record again but Cleary & co show how live music should be played.

Fantastic. The best live CD I have heard since Neil Young's Live at the Filmore.

This was my entry into the Jon Cleary world.I friend of mine new I loved the New Orlean's flavor of music.I gotta say this is some funky keyboard playing with a super funky rhythm section.Eddie Christmas is an up and coming drummer who's sure to make a name for himself.The cd is definitely a must for anyone liking the funky 2nd line grooves comin' out of NOLA!!

This live recording is as close as you can get to Jon Cleary without seeing him live. His New Orleans Funk key board style has a left hand that's to die for. He brings it all home with this recording.

I saw Jon Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen on TV on a show in Australia called Live at the Basement. The performance was a live show done in The Basement which a famous night club music venue in Sydney, Australia. I was totally hooked.
These guys put down a really tight and funky groove and you can see that they love performing. I tried to find a CD of this show but the closest was this release. I am not disappointed with it at all. Their energy and dynamics are presented very well and for a live recording sound great.
The CD sleeve is a nice cardboard gatefold with the added bonus of the CD being an imitation of a vinyl record, being all black (both sides) with grooves on the surface - very cool.

In an era of totally forgettable voices and bands, Jon Cleary shines like a beacon of hope. This Cd is so funky and soulful you'll be hard pressed to find a better new live release from anyone. His vocals are amazing and his keyboard skills are are awe-inspiring. Now add to that a band that sets every song on fire. All are extraordinary musicians. There's not a weak tune or performance on this disc. Classic N'awlins R & B that will only age better with time.