Singin' in the Bathtub

by Robert Crumb, R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders, The Cheap Suit Serenaders

Overview

One would think it unlikely for cartoonist R. Crumb's band to be this remarkably listenable, but the proof is abundant in tracks like the infectious early jazz of the title track, the string band blues of "Suits Crybaby Blues" (co-written by Crumb), and the hilarious Cajun romp in "Shopping Mall." Though many of the tracks display the sly humor consistent with some of Crumb's other work, the subversive elements have been toned down in favor of the dry wit of the chosen material. The instrumentals here, featuring a vast expanse of instruments including the musical saw, accordion, mandolin, Hawaiian guitar, violoncello, banjo-mandolin, and brass instruments, are handled by a outstanding group of musicians who effortlessly jump from polkas and rambunctious Hawaiian instrumentals to dancehall waltzes and ragtime pieces. Crumb handles most of the tenor banjo parts and sings lead, with a voice remarkably well suited to the material, and is accompanied by authentic back-up harmonies to fill in for his lack of range. It would be very easy to refer to this band as novelty music, but to do so would be a grave injustice, as more than being an homage to bygone styles, they make music that can easily stand on its own as a reverent recreation of the charm of a genre that has largely been forgotten. Singin' in the Bathtub may not be the best old-time jazz/string band album ever made, but it is doubtful that there are many that are more fun to listen to. ~ Matt Fink

Product Details

Release Date:	04/20/2024
Label:	Shanachie
UPC:	0016351600318
Rank:	15039

Album Credits

Performance Credits

R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders   Primary Artist
Robert Crumb   Primary Artist,Banjo,Guitar,Vocals
The Cheap Suit Serenaders   Primary Artist
Terry Zwigoff   Musical Saw,Banjo,Cello,Mandolin
Rick Elmore   Tuba,Trombone
Bob Brozman   Banjo,Guitar,Vocals,Ukulele,Mandolin,Guitar (Steel)
John Lundberg   Vocals
Robert Armstrong   Banjo,Guitar,Vocals,Accordion,Musical Saw,Guitar (Steel)
Geoff Antipa   Saxophone
Allan Dodge   Banjo,Cello,Guitar,Violin,Vocals,Ukulele,Mandolin,Harmonica
Paul Woltz   Vocals,Saxophone
Tom Marion   Banjo,Guitar,Violin,Vocals,Six String Banjo

Technical Credits

Joan Pelosi   Design
Wynn Miller   Composer
Stefan Grossman   Art Direction
Paul Dresser   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Peter Van Steeden   Composer
Robert Vosgien   Digital Mastering
Oliver di Cicco   Engineer
Robert Crumb   Artwork,Composer
Sonny Cunha   Composer
The Cheap Suit Serenaders   Performer
Harry Clarkson   Composer
Herbert Magidson   Composer
Robert Armstrong   Composer
Terry Zwigoff   Composer