Ottoman Empire

The short-lived Atlanta septet the Ottoman Empire were a sort of Georgia indie supergroup starring guitarist Bob Elsey (formerly of local legends Swimming Pool Q's), bassist Rob Gal (formerly of the jangle pop ironists the Coolies and musical partner of former Swimming Pool Q's singer Anne Richmond Boston), guitarist Mark Harper (ex-Bogues), his brother Clay Harper (later of Jack Logan and Liquor Cabinet) on vocals, and Walter Brewer (formerly of both Southern freak-out specialists Colonel Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit and the tragedy-touched jazz-pop combo the Jody Grind) on drums, along with violinist Danny Pearl and accordion player Dick Tamber. Formed in 1993, the Ottoman Empire released their first album, Lester Square (not, one would assume, named after the Monochrome Set's pseudonymous guitarist), later that year on the estimable DB Records. Although the Ottoman Empire's mix of jangle pop, alt-country, and subtle art rock textures (think Electric Light Orchestra, not Emerson Lake and Palmer) was enthusiastically reviewed, sales were minimal and after a follow-up, 1995's Ottoman Gold, the group splintered. Gal joined the punk-poppy 6X, while Mark and Clay Harper released a fanciful and witty children's record, Not Dogs...Too Simple (A Tale of Two Kitties) with participation by Ian Dury, Maureen Tucker, and others. Elsey joined a re-formed Swimming Pool Q's in the late '90s. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

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