It is difficult to articulate just what makes
Bazooka such an interesting band and
Blowhole such a fine album. There are other bands that play jazz with rock fervor and wild abandon, but few who do so with anything approaching this level of pure musicianship.
Bill Crawford's inspired bass work doesn't merely lay the foundation for
Tony Atherton's inspired sax freakouts, the bass is the lead instrument for lengthy portions of the album and an equal partner in the melodic lines throughout the rest.
Blowhole is also a showcase for
Vince Meghrouni's drumming, which is inspired and subtle -- he can thrash with the best of them, but
Meghrouni commands a very wide dynamic and can get high mileage out of delicate fills and quick flourishes. What puts this album over the top is probably the combination of virtuosity, teamwork, and compositions that allows the band to show off all these abilities to the utmost.
Bazooka has many fine albums in its catalog, but
Blowhole stands high even against the group's high standard of excellence.