Customer Reviews

Big Old Life

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Playing Time - 46:41 -- "Daisy" has a slang definition of "something excellent or notable." And in the boxing ring of yesteryear, "mayhem" used to informally refer to a knockout. Hence, this band's moniker is appropriate for their eclectic musical mix that is superior, impressive and attractive. A real daisy knockout! Contemporary folk is able to cast aside genre-specific boundaries in favor of band individualism. While other groups have established the archetype, Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem follow their own muse. Inspiring spirits guide them into old-time, folk, blues, swing, cajun and pop idioms. Imparting their own unique and contemporaneous stamp on material keeps them from sounding anachronistic. Just look at how they incoporate lyrics from Amazing Grace into the spirited vocal groove of "Oil in my Vessel." Their innovative rearrangement of Leonard Cohen's "Heart with No Companion" transforms it into a powerful old-time mountain ballad, and a traditional "Red Haired Boy" is given a very contemporary interpretation. With resonator guitar kicking it off, Bob Dylan's "Farewell Angelina" is given a charged-up, engaging bluesy treatment. The set opens a cappella with "Joy Comes Back," a song (learned from Scott Staples) that has special meaning for Rani because she's fought and won a battle with cancer diagnosed shortly after she gave birth.

Various band members have a knack for crafting songs of their own. Rani Arbo (fiddle, guitar) penned the title track, "Big Old Life" that welcomes and invites listeners to step right in, rise and shine, take a ride, and connect with their music. That interaction without intimidation is one of the band's charismatic strengths. Anand Hayuk (guitar, mandolin, piano) wrote "What's That," a slower swinging tune with plenty of emotional and intellectual energy. Andrew Kinsey (bass, banjo) wrote the personal and reflective "Mother of Our Dreams." The fourth band member, Scott Kessel, plays a wide variety of common and unusual percussion instruments. Guests Kevin Barry (lap steel) and Deb Pasternak (backing vocals) provide some tasty flavorings to the overall set that ends with Daisy May Erlewine's optimistic message of perseverance and reliance, "Shine On." Four years coming since their last CD, "Big Old Life" is a well-wrought entry in the new folk field. The band's musical maturity has allowed these alchemists to take roots music stylings and magically transform them into present-day gold. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

I own every previous release by both Salamander Crossing and Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem, and have enjoyed and been touched by all of them. Big Old Life would be my favorite thus far. Guitar, bass , percussion, fiddle, lap steel, banjo, voice, and superior production make this a standout.
I find myself listening to each player on each song. Then another listening for the lyrics.
The guest players are top notch , and the lap steel guitar, banjo, harmonica and accordian parts are great.
This summer, I will be catching this band on tour and I look forward to hearing live versions of these songs.
What a great album!

Love this album!!!
I had never heard of this group and stumbled across this album/group. What can I say simply the best album/group I have heard in quite awhile.

Very talented group and if you don't feel better after listening to this album you have no soul.

the music is beautiful and upliftig, as are the lyrics. this is my new happy cd to be played on all rough mornings.

Sean Staples' song "Joy Comes Back" opens the set with irrepressible sunshine, "I want to be ready when joy comes back to me, cause I've been downhearted, but I won't be down for long." "Red Haired Boy" perks joyfully with Anand Noyak's delightful mandolin and Scott Kessel's inventive percussion, "Red haired boys will make a girl do most anything." "What's That" bounces and shuffles, "When will we discover what we all forgot to bring? The case is open; the case is shut; the bell's about to ring." Leonard Cohen's "Heart With No Companion" is reinvented with Andrew Kinsey's banjo giving a hint of joy to the lament. "Oil in My Vessel" bounces joyfully on this traditional gospel piece, "I want to be ready when the bridegroom comes." Bob Dylan's "Farewell Angelina" lightens and transforms under Rani Arbo's touch, "Farewell, Angelina, the sky is on fire and I must go." "The next time you see me, I will be singing a new song cause I'm learning to shine on; There'sll be time enough for darkness when everything's gone," Rani sings on the set's concluding track "Shine On." "Big Old Life" is a joyful set that warms the soul and pleases the ear. Enjoy!

Another home run for this excellent, eclectic group. If you enjoyed *Gambling Eden* you 'll love this new one. Nothing compares to hearing them live, of course, but until they put out a live record, this will do very nicely.