Music Monthly: August 2003 CD Review: The Adventures of Elliott Finésse Karen Liebowitz Carey Ziegler has been making very fine music for quite a long time. His latest CD with his Expensive Hobby band shows off quite a lot of versatility and, for most of the album, reflects a past where horn sections were just as important to the sound of a group as the guitars and rhythm. The title and cover reminds me of an invisible spy lost in the big city, scoping out what makes it tick. The first few songs also ring forth that theme as well. "The Ride" is your first clue that this isn't your ordinary CD, folks. A wonderfully brassy instrumental, it reeks of possibilities while exploring the city. The funkiness that pervades it resembles those great themes from the 1970s television shows that starred action heroes and crime fighters. In this case, however, our hero is a musician who just happens to be working in one of the most popular large metropolis and the subject of the next tune. "Two Below New York" draws a straight line between the Big Apple and Baltimore on the map, Philadelphia being the city in the middle. The song namechecks the Bottom Line and the Bay Cafe along with Divine and Liberty Heights. All of this is set to a punchy sax with the rest of the horns chiming in. It oozes the atmosphere of city life and has a slight Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band ambiance as well (my interpretation, mind you). The third tune in the trilogy (unintentional or not) is the lament of the above musician who tried to grab the golden ring of success, succeeded briefly, and now wonders what went awry. "Something Is Wrong" has terrific prominent organ fills from Glenn Workman and features again the horns. There's also a clever inside joke that occurs after the phrase "brush with fame". The main riff is played of David Bowie's "Fame". There also seems to be a tip of the hat to the Thin White Duke with the vocals covering the spectrum from low to high just like the aforementioned song. And now for something completely different as Carey and the group tackle the changes of our country in "Nation Of Strangers". This is preceded by a remarkable orchestral piece entitled "Prelude For A Nation" that has Glenn's piano setting the stage for the accompanying tune. Here, the guitar is brought out more to the fore with some strong chording and fuzz-tones on the solos. This track is more pop-oriented with Beatley touches such as the trumpet flourishes and the nice countermelodies at the end building up to a climax ala "All You Need Is Love". Its complexity keeps the interest alive and works very well. There are also a wide range of moods in the other cuts as well. "Sky King", another instrumental, has influences of jazz-fusion and prog, almost Gong-like, in its fierce organ and guitar improvisations. "Susie", a song about a weakness for a domineering woman, plays a soulful beat along with an ethereal touch from a flute in the interlude. "Mr. Trips" is just plain fun with a creepy half-sung, half-spoken vocal and a very cool accompaniment of swirling organ and spiraling guitar that speaks broadly of this casualty of the 1960s. The sinister laugh at the end makes me think that Carey must have enjoyed himself making this track! Finally, there is a live cut from Baker Park called "Y2K2". It's a very humorous song about the analogy between computers and people such as when their memory chip has gone. (I can relate to that especially!) The reference to a tower of power seems particularly pertinent since the horns take off into space on this one. It's a great way to end the CD! Although I'm still not certain who Elliott Finésse really is (perhaps an alias for Mr. Ziegler?). I am less confused about the quality and likeability of this CD. The arrangements are topnotch and the musicianship is A-1. The tunes capture your attention and hold it throughout. One thing is for sure, there is absolutely no mystery or spy work required to enjoy this!