"Friday" by Monkey House Chosen by IMC's Brian Pearson

Where do I even begin? Friday, the bands' fifth full-length release had me locked in as soon as I put the needle down on 10,000 Hours. As many IMC followers know Monkey House is the brainchild of singer, songwriter, keyboardist and fellow IMC correspondent, Don Breithaupt.

There are so many things to love about this project but I'm limited on space, otherwise, my review and dissection of this record would be as thick as the Sunday edition of the NY Times. Cliff notes version is that Don surrounds himself with drummer Mark Kelso, bassist Pat Kilbride & guitarist Justin Abedin, a unit that has played together for twenty-five years and it shows. Then you have that sublime horn section of William Sperandei, 
Vern Dorge, John Johnson, William Carn, and Tony Carlucci, as well as percussionist Art Avalos.

The overall arrangements are insanely tasty and this is where Don & crew shine best. So many favorite tunes here but for me, it's cuts like, "Nine O'Clock Friday, Welcome To The Rest Of The World, I'll Drive, You Chill & Island Off The Coast Of America" which provide the goosebump moments for me.

Nine O'Clock Friday: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzgyxJH7uzE

Welcome To The Rest Of The World: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRDnQgbyME0

I'll Drive, You Chill: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhHifitYtDM

Island Off The Coast Of America: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1aaftC5LzY

Friday also sports guest spots from the likes of guitarist Drew Zingg (Boz Scaggs), trumpeter Michael Leonhart (Steely Dan), saxophonist François D’Amours (Gino Vannelli), Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri and jazz vocal legends, The Manhattan Transfer lends their vocal talents to the tune The Jazz Life. Of the 13 tunes on this project (yes, the LP version has 13) there are only two tunes that are not Breithaupt compositions. The one that really stands out is the cut the late Walter Becker wrote for his 1994 solo masterpiece, 11 Tracks Of Whack and that cut was Book Of Liars. "As a lifelong Steely Dan fan, Walter's death hit me hard," says Don. "I thought it'd be a nice gesture to do one of his." On this version, they do just that and pay perfect homage to Walt as the tune stays true to the original but adds that tasty Monkey House horn section to the mix.

Another reason I love this album so much is that every time I play it I find a new favorite moment, be it groove, lyrical content or flawless musicianship from stellar musicians.

"Friday" is an eye-opening piece of work that leaves me in awe every time I play it. It's sophisticated pop with jazz influences and it makes me covet several more releases and that Don and crew continue to restore "real music" to its original grandeur. I absolutely love this album and it's a no-brainer why it's my album pick of the year.

Three cheers for all things Monkey House!

Brian Pearson
IMC Correspondent
Chicago USA