Listening to Hobo Jungle's live release "roundabouts" is like throwing on an old comfortable sweater in the Fall - a return to good 'ol fashion feel-good music made by guys who love to play.

Hailing from the West Coast, this up and coming North Bay band recently released their premiere live album, "roundabouts" - recorded live from a Web cast at Meyer Hall, in Emeryville, CA on December 14th, 2005.

It was a pleasure to listen to this CD while driving my car through some scenic country roads observing the gorgeous fall foliage. During this harvest season, this CD was the perfect soundtrack for my drive.

Formed by bassist Chris Kelly and singer/guitarist Jafar Thorne in 2000, Hobo's sound is a fun bouncy blend of honkey-tonk, Americana roots and psychedelic blues and rock. You can hear the influences of Phil Lesh come through the bass players' tones and style.
Some times I was reminded of Dylan and The Band's infamous Basement Tapes. Other times I was reminded of Blues Traveler, only because Hobo also utilizes harmonica as a lead instrument.

Included in the Hobo Jungle is the one and only Will Scarlet. Scarlet is no stranger to the Dead music community playing with Old & In the Way at Keystone, the Grateful Dead at the Fillmore East, as well as with Garcia and Grisman on several recordings.

The CD is filled with tight live performances that capture the spirit of this band: great melodic songs, thoughtful lyrics, and exploratory improvisational jams. They take you along their freight train ride and leave you humming the tunes and smiling along the way.

If you're out West in the Bay Area, try to catch these guys live. In the meantime, stay tuned for their soon to be released studio album featuring more of the great Will Scarlet as well as the great blues guitarist Steve Mann.

Listen to sample MP3s from "roundabouts": www.hobojungle.biz/roundabout.htm

For more on Hobo Jungle check out www.hobojungle.biz.

- submitted by PZRob, 10.11.2006, posted 11.15.2006

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