The Boohers - Grandma's Songs
Review by Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon - email rossjoe@hotmail.com

Tangleweed is a self-professed Chicago-based “foot stompin', moonshine drinkin', bluegrass group” whose new CD, “Just a Spoonful” captures their live exuberance and energy. Ryan Fisher (banjo), Paul Wargaski (upright bass), Billy Oh (fiddle), Kenneth Rainey (mandolin), and Scott Judd (guitar) appear to share a chemistry that results in some good-time music drawing inspiration from old-time, bluegrass, jug band and swing music.

Playing regularly since mid-2004, Tangleweed chose to record their debut live to two tracks in an empty second-floor Chicago apartment . There are no tricks, electronic wizardry, or overdubs here. For folks who like a few “warts” on their music (ie. not the slick studio productions from the dimple of the universe), Tangleweed does the trick. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
Each track spans 3 minutes or less, and includes a few floorboards creaking, feet stomping, and perhaps even some heavy breathing. While this approach captures their live energy, vocals are bit hard to understand at times. My guess is that this 29-minute set was developed as both a demo CD and as a product to be sold. Their repertoire draws from standard fare in the hit parade of bluegrass, with warhorses like Train 45, Cindy, Make Me a Pallet on the Floor, Blackberry Blossom, Columbus Stockade Blues, Old Joe Clark, and Orange Blossom Special. Besides the title cut, other favorites were C-Jam Blues and Ragged but Right.

Tangleweed has some rough edges. However, with too much polish on their chrome, Tangleweed would lose their bluegrass spunk. They’re the kind of band that no doubt goes over better live than on a CD. I would imagine that they’d get plenty of people tapping their toes numbers like “Spoonful”
despite its drug-related connotations. Their next project will be multi-tracked in a recording studio. Tangleweed is associated with TwangOff Records (www.twangoffrecords.com) which offers live recordings of Chicago showcase performances just minutes after the shows. For a mere $7, Tangleweed can also be heard on the December 2004 edition of “The Homegrown Series.”

Tangleweed plays mostly watering holes, and their primary mission seems to be for everyone to have fun in their presence. This attitude will no doubt allow them to just keep getting better and better with a few more years of experience and maturity. In the meantime, they may not be quite ready for a Grammy Award, but I appreciate their spirit and ability to get the toes tapping. As they sing at track 11, they’re a little ragged but they’re right. Pick up a copy of “Just a Spoonful” over the Internet from cdbaby.com (Joe Ross)