The Twenty-Four Hour Album

It was late, really late. Everyone had gone but the three of us diehards. Jamie had called Uncle Pat earlier in the day to get a recording of his honest voice. Uncle Pat phoned this little proverb in from his home in New Mexico. We filled out the ambience with some meditative flutes and drums–a peaceful ending to a long, adventure-filled day. Uncle Pat - Sage Jamie - Native Flutes (Alto Recorder), native drum, Sleep machine Andy - Spa Synths Kurt - Steel Rain, Percussion

It was late, really late. Everyone had gone but the three of us diehards. Jamie had called Uncle Pat earlier in the day to get a recording of his honest voice. Uncle Pat phoned this little proverb in from his home in New Mexico. We filled out the ambience with some meditative flutes and drums–a peaceful ending to a long, adventure-filled day. Uncle Pat - Sage Jamie - Native Flutes (Alto Recorder), native drum, Sleep machine Andy - Spa Synths Kurt - Steel Rain, Percussion

Ukulele Loki and Davis took the lead for this late night number. After getting a solid jam together with Davis' foot stompin' riff and Loki's wonky interjections, the two put together a little story about trials and tribulations over a breakup–what I assumed was based on an inside joke. Jesse added her own layer to the story–the female perspective in the scenario with her own, more conclusive agenda to the breakup. Ukulele Loki - Vox, Wonky Synths Davis - Vox, Guitar, Djembe Jesse - Vox Kurt - Homebass Karen - Tom-toms Andy - Maracas

Ukulele Loki and Davis took the lead for this late night number. After getting a solid jam together with Davis' foot stompin' riff and Loki's wonky interjections, the two put together a little story about trials and tribulations over a breakup–what I assumed was based on an inside joke. Jesse added her own layer to the story–the female perspective in the scenario with her own, more conclusive agenda to the breakup. Ukulele Loki - Vox, Wonky Synths Davis - Vox, Guitar, Djembe Jesse - Vox Kurt - Homebass Karen - Tom-toms Andy - Maracas

Jamie came back from his song writing session in what once was the "game room" of Kurt's house. He brought this somber tale to us about a soldier's tale of luck, life and death–based on Jim Henson's Storyteller rendition of this Russian tale. He structured a song complete with melody and chords. What resulted was the Twenty-Four Hour Album's most serious endeavor–a respectable and unique addition to the album. Jamie - Narrator, Chimes Andy - Guitar, Oohs Rachel - Oohs Christopher - Oohs Andrew - Oohs

Jamie came back from his song writing session in what once was the "game room" of Kurt's house. He brought this somber tale to us about a soldier's tale of luck, life and death–based on Jim Henson's Storyteller rendition of this Russian tale. He structured a song complete with melody and chords. What resulted was the Twenty-Four Hour Album's most serious endeavor–a respectable and unique addition to the album. Jamie - Narrator, Chimes Andy - Guitar, Oohs Rachel - Oohs Christopher - Oohs Andrew - Oohs

The idea came about that we should do an a cappella number, given that we had so many bodies and strong singers. What resulted is a prime example of 24 Hour Album magic: no rehearsal, no consensus, no concept, roll tape! Well, we wanted to make a love song. I guess there was that. Christopher and Jesse took the forefront at first singing a beautiful love duet, when suddenly the song took a hard left turn. "Giddy up on the pony, girl!" Christopher - Lead Male Vox, Beatbox Jesse - Lead Female Vox Jamie - Pony Vox Andy - Bass Vox Rachel - Oohs and Ahs Ukulele Loki - Oohs and Ohs Davis - Ahs and Oohs Karen - Ohs and Ahs Kurt may have sung too. There were a bunch of us crammed around two mics.

The idea came about that we should do an a cappella number, given that we had so many bodies and strong singers. What resulted is a prime example of 24 Hour Album magic: no rehearsal, no consensus, no concept, roll tape! Well, we wanted to make a love song. I guess there was that. Christopher and Jesse took the forefront at first singing a beautiful love duet, when suddenly the song took a hard left turn. "Giddy up on the pony, girl!" Christopher - Lead Male Vox, Beatbox Jesse - Lead Female Vox Jamie - Pony Vox Andy - Bass Vox Rachel - Oohs and Ahs Ukulele Loki - Oohs and Ohs Davis - Ahs and Oohs Karen - Ohs and Ahs Kurt may have sung too. There were a bunch of us crammed around two mics.

Well, Jamie ran upstairs to write an epic and tune. Meanwhile, this interlude came together after a good interval of dilly-dallying. Kurt and Christopher depict a couple of fine, English gentlemen in an engaging conversation about family history, diet, mining, among other riveting subjects. This track makes a fine interlude to the latter half of our day. Kurt - Son of a Whore Christopher - Tommy the Chimney Sweep Andy - Piano Danny - Ride Cymbal

Well, Jamie ran upstairs to write an epic and tune. Meanwhile, this interlude came together after a good interval of dilly-dallying. Kurt and Christopher depict a couple of fine, English gentlemen in an engaging conversation about family history, diet, mining, among other riveting subjects. This track makes a fine interlude to the latter half of our day. Kurt - Son of a Whore Christopher - Tommy the Chimney Sweep Andy - Piano Danny - Ride Cymbal

Every Twenty-Four Hour Album (seems) to need some metal. This years answer was a conglomeration of diverse forces. Kurt leads this angsty number with his matter-of-fact advice. Andrew makes his debut appearance on Kurt's famed "Hondo" guitar. This one's for you, man! "Welcome to the Twenty-Four Hour Album!" Ol' Man Kurt - Lead Vox Andy - Shredder Andrew - Rhythm Guitar Christopher - Home Bass Jamie - Drums Danny - Cow Bell

Every Twenty-Four Hour Album (seems) to need some metal. This years answer was a conglomeration of diverse forces. Kurt leads this angsty number with his matter-of-fact advice. Andrew makes his debut appearance on Kurt's famed "Hondo" guitar. This one's for you, man! "Welcome to the Twenty-Four Hour Album!" Ol' Man Kurt - Lead Vox Andy - Shredder Andrew - Rhythm Guitar Christopher - Home Bass Jamie - Drums Danny - Cow Bell

This next track is an electro-lover's delight. Kurt and Jamie's improvised dialogue is a robo-fantasy charged with robot-chivalry, sexual exploration, and eventual declaration of catastrophic warfare of man vs. machine–all accompanied by a cool retro 80's, euro-dance club groove. This one's headed for the clubs, coast to coast. Watch out! Jamie - Robot 1 Kurt - Robot 2 Christopher - Robo MC Andy - 8 Bit Triangle Wave (Bass riff) Butcher - Beats, Saw Wave (interjections)

An all-American tale of moral dilemma: wife and kids; mistress and mayhem. The Butcher threads his tale while Jamie and Christopher provide a little depth to Johnny's story. In the end of this folk tale, Johnny's life falls apart, falls apart, falls apart at the hoedown, hoedown, hoedown... Butcher - American Troubadour, Sine Waves (Bass) Christopher - Guitar, Backing Vox Jamie - Banjo, Backing Vox Andy - Mandolin Kurt - Drums

This next track is an electro-lover's delight. Kurt and Jamie's improvised dialogue is a robo-fantasy charged with robot-chivalry, sexual exploration, and eventual declaration of catastrophic warfare of man vs. machine–all accompanied by a cool retro 80's, euro-dance club groove. This one's headed for the clubs, coast to coast. Watch out! Jamie - Robot 1 Kurt - Robot 2 Christopher - Robo MC Andy - 8 Bit Triangle Wave (Bass riff) Butcher - Beats, Saw Wave (interjections)

An all-American tale of moral dilemma: wife and kids; mistress and mayhem. The Butcher threads his tale while Jamie and Christopher provide a little depth to Johnny's story. In the end of this folk tale, Johnny's life falls apart, falls apart, falls apart at the hoedown, hoedown, hoedown... Butcher - American Troubadour, Sine Waves (Bass) Christopher - Guitar, Backing Vox Jamie - Banjo, Backing Vox Andy - Mandolin Kurt - Drums

Sorry, Nick, we couldn't remember which number it was when we named the songs at 3:30 in the morning. Well, Nick came by, poetry pad in one hand, a sixer of Henry Weinhard's root brew the other, and graced us with his delightful rant. We all picked up our chosen music makers and created this ambient texture over Nick's intonations. Nick - Raconteur Butcher - Synths, Samples Jamie - Kalimba Christopher - Log Drum Andy - Bongos Kurt - Steel Rain

Sorry, Nick, we couldn't remember which number it was when we named the songs at 3:30 in the morning. Well, Nick came by, poetry pad in one hand, a sixer of Henry Weinhard's root brew the other, and graced us with his delightful rant. We all picked up our chosen music makers and created this ambient texture over Nick's intonations. Nick - Raconteur Butcher - Synths, Samples Jamie - Kalimba Christopher - Log Drum Andy - Bongos Kurt - Steel Rain

It was early afternoon by the time the three of us diehards had a new face to gaze. The Butcher joined us with his usual arsenal of fruit and firearms (macintosh, electro sound boxes and gizmos, and of course bass guitar). Before we even had a moment to setup, we were also joined by cousin Christopher (of Tangerine Jam) ready to throw down some twitchy twangs and tingles. The Butcher laid down a track and thus this retro 1970's feel good jam was born. The Butcher - Loops, Bass licksJamie - Sax swashes and squawksChristopher - Guitar squallsKurt - Bongos

It was early afternoon by the time the three of us diehards had a new face to gaze. The Butcher joined us with his usual arsenal of fruit and firearms (macintosh, electro sound boxes and gizmos, and of course bass guitar). Before we even had a moment to setup, we were also joined by cousin Christopher (of Tangerine Jam) ready to throw down some twitchy twangs and tingles. The Butcher laid down a track and thus this retro 1970's feel good jam was born. The Butcher - Loops, Bass licksJamie - Sax swashes and squawksChristopher - Guitar squallsKurt - Bongos

I'm not sure what 24 Hour Album would be complete without some 1980's cinematic action music. We featured Kurt's new swords in this track. Complete with chanting choruses in three octaves, this epic three minute battle keeps the imagination captivated. The name says it all. Jamie - Keys, Big Sword, Falsetto Andy - Drums, Medium Sword, Contrabasso Kurt - Home Bass, Baritone Vox

I'm not sure what 24 Hour Album would be complete without some 1980's cinematic action music. We featured Kurt's new swords in this track. Complete with chanting choruses in three octaves, this epic three minute battle keeps the imagination captivated. The name says it all. Jamie - Keys, Big Sword, Falsetto Andy - Drums, Medium Sword, Contrabasso Kurt - Home Bass, Baritone Vox

We opened this album with a cute ditty featuring mandolin and cap gun. The mandolin brought us back to the days of Jeremy Stern's bright riffs from his mandolin pickin' prowess. This bubbly beat breaks our fast of what turned out to be a hell of an album. We even brought the drum set out of the corner of the room! Sounds like a small detail, I know, but it was a rite of passage for this album. Kurt - Home Bass Andy - Mandolin Jamie - Drums, Vox, Cap Gun

We opened this album with a cute ditty featuring mandolin and cap gun. The mandolin brought us back to the days of Jeremy Stern's bright riffs from his mandolin pickin' prowess. This bubbly beat breaks our fast of what turned out to be a hell of an album. We even brought the drum set out of the corner of the room! Sounds like a small detail, I know, but it was a rite of passage for this album. Kurt - Home Bass Andy - Mandolin Jamie - Drums, Vox, Cap Gun

Who knew I had the camera running!? I didn't! After reviewing the footage (soon to come), I found this little jam between Kurt and I. In fact, I was just banging away at the drums and I didn't even know that Kurt was playing with me. I don't know how this happened, but I was pleased to see this little jam take place. Apparently this isn't the first time that this has happened. Jamie mentioned to me that Kurt was jamming, unsuspectingly, with him before. Kurt's a sneaky guy. I wonder what contributions he has snuck in? Home Bass - Kurt Drum Set - Andy

After an exhausting run with chupacabras, the excitement died down, and we came to this somber tune. Kurt, sitting on his double decker couch with trumpet in hand, blasts his final, jaded note while I slide around on the cello neck like a child's first time on ice skates. Jamie keeps us all together with his cool and collected, pensive progression. Yeah, son. Cello - Andy Trumpet - Kurt Keys - Jamie

Essentially, the title track of the album. With creative geniuses Drew and Skinny Jim on board, we have a fun filled rock anthem about chupacabras and demonic visions. An epic adventure-tale for the Twenty-Four Album. Vocals, Theremini - Drew Nintendo DS Guitar, Backing Vocals - Skinny Jim Keys - Jamie Ax - Andy Drum Set - Kurt

Who knew I had the camera running!? I didn't! After reviewing the footage (soon to come), I found this little jam between Kurt and I. In fact, I was just banging away at the drums and I didn't even know that Kurt was playing with me. I don't know how this happened, but I was pleased to see this little jam take place. Apparently this isn't the first time that this has happened. Jamie mentioned to me that Kurt was jamming, unsuspectingly, with him before. Kurt's a sneaky guy. I wonder what contributions he has snuck in? Home Bass - Kurt Drum Set - Andy

After an exhausting run with chupacabras, the excitement died down, and we came to this somber tune. Kurt, sitting on his double decker couch with trumpet in hand, blasts his final, jaded note while I slide around on the cello neck like a child's first time on ice skates. Jamie keeps us all together with his cool and collected, pensive progression. Yeah, son. Cello - Andy Trumpet - Kurt Keys - Jamie

Essentially, the title track of the album. With creative geniuses Drew and Skinny Jim on board, we have a fun filled rock anthem about chupacabras and demonic visions. An epic adventure-tale for the Twenty-Four Album. Vocals, Theremini - Drew Nintendo DS Guitar, Backing Vocals - Skinny Jim Keys - Jamie Ax - Andy Drum Set - Kurt

In the words of Jamie: "[Cindy] and I wanted to be as generic as we could lyrically to express that pop music today is not that imaginative. WE covered as many genres as we could, i.e. rap, rap/metal, lesbian folk, I forget what else. I wanted Rachel to sing with me, because then the song would be in the style of Leonard Cohen, an art folk singer, when he first started out (look up the song Susanne for details). I thought putting the song in a waltz time might make it more insane inducing." Troubadour - Jamie Additional Oohs - Rachel Lyrics - Jamie, Cindy, Rachel

In the words of Jamie: "[Cindy] and I wanted to be as generic as we could lyrically to express that pop music today is not that imaginative. WE covered as many genres as we could, i.e. rap, rap/metal, lesbian folk, I forget what else. I wanted Rachel to sing with me, because then the song would be in the style of Leonard Cohen, an art folk singer, when he first started out (look up the song Susanne for details). I thought putting the song in a waltz time might make it more insane inducing." Troubadour - Jamie Additional Oohs - Rachel Lyrics - Jamie, Cindy, Rachel

Kurt finally fixed his home made bass. It's worth a look. (Kurt, send me a picture and I'll post it.) I asked him to a "Bass Off" with my crappy basstar. We joined in with this riff. Rachel makes her debut on the drums in this one, as well. Home-Bass - Kurt Crappy Basstar - And Drum Set - Rachel Ictus (Clapping) - Cindy

Kurt finally fixed his home made bass. It's worth a look. (Kurt, send me a picture and I'll post it.) I asked him to a "Bass Off" with my crappy basstar. We joined in with this riff. Rachel makes her debut on the drums in this one, as well. Home-Bass - Kurt Crappy Basstar - And Drum Set - Rachel Ictus (Clapping) - Cindy

Nackles, a short story by Donald E. Westlake under the pseudonym Curt Clark is narrated by Jon. We phoned Jon (a.k.a. Dad) from his home in Rock Island, Illinois, where he reads Jamie's synopsis of Nackles, the evil brother of Santa Claus. Phone - Jon Glockenspiel - Rachel Tubular Bells - Jamie Woozles - Cindy Drum Set - Andy Pancakes - Kurt

Nackles, a short story by Donald E. Westlake under the pseudonym Curt Clark is narrated by Jon. We phoned Jon (a.k.a. Dad) from his home in Rock Island, Illinois, where he reads Jamie's synopsis of Nackles, the evil brother of Santa Claus. Phone - Jon Glockenspiel - Rachel Tubular Bells - Jamie Woozles - Cindy Drum Set - Andy Pancakes - Kurt

We all know that the day will come when the creature of man, robots, will try to destroy their maker. And who will fight in the robot wars? Jamie sings in the pop-folk idiom, a war protest song a la Bob Dylan about our dreadful fate. Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica - Jamie Cash-esque Guitar, Backing Vocals - the Butcher Backing Vocals - Kurt Drum Set - Andy

We all know that the day will come when the creature of man, robots, will try to destroy their maker. And who will fight in the robot wars? Jamie sings in the pop-folk idiom, a war protest song a la Bob Dylan about our dreadful fate. Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica - Jamie Cash-esque Guitar, Backing Vocals - the Butcher Backing Vocals - Kurt Drum Set - Andy

Kurt, who has typically been the host of the Twenty-Four Hour Album, has always contributed his drum set. Last year, for some reason unknown to me, he sold it to a friend and we were without, forcing us to come up with other creative alternatives for percussion. I was happy to see that he recently got another one so we could use it for this album. It's amazing what you can add on to a drum set just using hardware clamps. Here is our tribute to the new drum set. Robot - Jamie Trumpet - Kurt Drum Set - Andy

Here's the opening track of this years album! It was a slow, technically challenged start this year, but once we were rolling, we created this ethnic/country/sci-fi groove. Too bad we didn't really have a theremin in our arsenal of woozles and wozzles. Theremin-esque MicroQ - Andy Guitar - Jamie Drums - Kurt Enjoy! Stay tuned for more ...

"I'm tired of being second fiddle to David Hasselhoff, you know?" Certainly, something we have all felt at one time or another. This gloomy, metropolitan ballad expresses the Butcher's lament for his shortcomings as a philanderer. Starting off in the desolate subway tunnels, he dreams of robotic cars and his dearest idol, David Hasselhoff. Sprechstimme, Guitar, Programming, SFX - the Butcher Basstar, Shooting Star, Alto Sax - Andy Tenor Sax - Jamie Drum Set - Kurt

No not the copyright protected song written by Preston Ware Orem for the Summy Company. (See Wikipedia) Kurt wanted the Twenty-Four Hour Album band to make a generic birthday jingle. Though, I'm not sure where the world influences came in. Between the old-time reed organ, kalimba and pious wailings, this hodgepodge pays homage to the day of birth of any deserving saint or peasant. Incantation - Kurt Organ - Jamie Kalimba - Andy Percussion - Andy, Jamie, Kurt

Kurt, who has typically been the host of the Twenty-Four Hour Album, has always contributed his drum set. Last year, for some reason unknown to me, he sold it to a friend and we were without, forcing us to come up with other creative alternatives for percussion. I was happy to see that he recently got another one so we could use it for this album. It's amazing what you can add on to a drum set just using hardware clamps. Here is our tribute to the new drum set. Robot - Jamie Trumpet - Kurt Drum Set - Andy

Here's the opening track of this years album! It was a slow, technically challenged start this year, but once we were rolling, we created this ethnic/country/sci-fi groove. Too bad we didn't really have a theremin in our arsenal of woozles and wozzles. Theremin-esque MicroQ - Andy Guitar - Jamie Drums - Kurt Enjoy! Stay tuned for more ...

"I'm tired of being second fiddle to David Hasselhoff, you know?" Certainly, something we have all felt at one time or another. This gloomy, metropolitan ballad expresses the Butcher's lament for his shortcomings as a philanderer. Starting off in the desolate subway tunnels, he dreams of robotic cars and his dearest idol, David Hasselhoff. Sprechstimme, Guitar, Programming, SFX - the Butcher Basstar, Shooting Star, Alto Sax - Andy Tenor Sax - Jamie Drum Set - Kurt

No not the copyright protected song written by Preston Ware Orem for the Summy Company. (See Wikipedia) Kurt wanted the Twenty-Four Hour Album band to make a generic birthday jingle. Though, I'm not sure where the world influences came in. Between the old-time reed organ, kalimba and pious wailings, this hodgepodge pays homage to the day of birth of any deserving saint or peasant. Incantation - Kurt Organ - Jamie Kalimba - Andy Percussion - Andy, Jamie, Kurt