Hazmat Modine
May 9, 2011
Hazmat Modine is a blues/indie folk/world fusion musical group from New York. They are an eclectic and highly original band that relies heavily on the sounds of harmonicas, tubas and saxophones -- in fact; they have two harmonica players in the band!
"Hazmat" is a contraction of "hazardous material" and "Modine" is the name of a company that manufactures commercial heaters but may be used to refer to the heater itself. According to lead singer, Wade Schuman, this is appropriate since the band "blows a lot of hot air."
The group comprises Schuman (vocals, harmonica), Bill Barrett (harmonica), Pam Fleming (trumpet), Steve Elson (saxophone), Michael Gomez (guitar), Pete Smith (guitar), Joe Daley (tuba) and Rich Huntley (drums). Each member is also involved in other creative projects ranging from art education to other musical endeavors.
For their latest effort "Cicada," the band was also joined by Natalie Merchant (they backed up a few tracks on her most recent project), West Africa's Gangbe Brass Band and Dave Harrington of the Kronos Quartet.
You will find a tasty mix of original material as well as some choice covers. It is all blended into a sound that you likely have never heard before! The entire album is worth an ear, but several tracks also stand alone including "Mocking Bird," "Two Forty Seven," "I've Been Lonely for So Long" and "Walking Stick."
Songlines/UK wrote, "This is a great and genuinely adventurous album, quite unlike anything else that can currently be heard elsewhere either in Blues or world music. Even Ry Cooder couldn't have done it any better."
Hazmat Modine have toured the world relentlessly for the past five years and have collaborated with artists from Africa, Asia, Europe and Russia. After a CD release party in New York on May 21st, Hazmat Modine will be touring the UK, Europe and Russia for most of the spring and summer. They also plan some special gigs in the New York area between legs.
For more, visit www.hazmatmodine.com