After a welcome tip off from David Keenan at The Wire, Japanese improvisation ensemble group Maher Shalal Hash Baz, led by Tori Kudo, became one of the first signings to Geographic. It was exactly the kind of music we wanted to release. It was kind of wild but totally melodic too – a mixture of original brass, outsider pop oddness and Tori Kudo’s brilliant Syd Barrett-influenced cutting guitar.
Blues du Jour, Maher Shalal Hash Baz’s second album released on Geographic in 2003, was recorded in East Kilbride by David Scott and was the ensemble’s final record with their legendary euphonium player, Hiroo Nakazaki. A 41-track journey into their strange and wonderful world, it features some of their best known songs including Open Field later covered by Silver Jews.
Being able to help make and then release a record like this is one of the many reasons that Katrina and I are so proud of Geographic.
SP / Geographic
TRACK LISTING
Sunrise
Open Field
The King Of The North
His Banner Over Me Was Love
Pelican Of Wilderness
White Dream (To K. Miwa In Hagi)
Post Office
You Keep Saying In Your Heart
Remember My Labour Of Love
Good Morning
Blues Du Jour Bb 7/8 22.4.02
Tokyo Okinawa Scotland
What's Your Business Here Elijah
Soldier Of Lead
From A Summer To Another Summer
Futility
31st December
Peter Says
Interview
Golden Gulf
For A Recorder And A Euphonium
Firing Results
Molecular Structure Of Clay
Fern On The Slope
Muddy Water
Hang Around In The Mall
Highway
Cockerel
No Sheep
Apple Glazed Vase
Iyomanzai
Psalm 136
Blow A Horn
Apple Glazed Vase II
Coregians
Blues Du Jour Am 8.6.01
Blues Du Jour Cm 5:02
Yagi Otalaryngologist
I Have Run The Course To The Finish
Bus
Cheap Clothes