COLEMAN, GEORGE - Bongo Joe

There can only be one Bongo Joe, and that is the incredible George Coleman. Bongo Joe is perhaps the worlds only virtuoso player of the empty oil drum, a man so ingenious that he could even turn petroleum refuse into something musical and sublime. Recorded on the streets of San Antonio in 1969 by Chris Strachawitz (Arhoolie Records). Bongo Joe drums on his oil cans with a thunderous, tympani-like effect, while discoursing rambling, insightful and hilariously funny lyrics that are often times more stories than songs. As Joe himself put it, I rap but not that bullshit theyre putting down now. I play fundamental beat music. Whether draping his drums with an American flag or washing them in swirls of psychedelic green and red paint, theres something beyond the typical street-corner busker in Bongo Joes persona, unbridled quality that isnt just musical, but draws on a tradition of pure entertainment. One of the true treasures of the Arhoolie catalog for many years. Try Science Fiction, Innocent Little Doggie (if you think Joe was just a novelty act, listen closely to the poignant insightfulness of the lyrics), Transistor Radio (more wry commentary) and Dog Eat Dog. One of our favorites, available on vinyl for the first time in 39 years. -Mississippi