Remain in Light Dazzle The Eastern

Remain in Light, billed as a supporting act for Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade, one has to credit the latter for not fearing being overshadowed. Not coincidentally the title of the Talking Heads’ fourth album, original member Jerry Harrison (keyboards/guitar) and contributor Adrian Belew (crazy guitar) are touring by the same name, supported by Cool Cool Cool, an eight piece funk/R&B band that, well, nails it.

Jerry Harrison, center of stage, presides as the central hub around which the fireworks sparkle. He occasionally sang lead vocals, such as the subtle inclusion of “Rev It Up,” a hit he had away from the band, played rhythm guitar, took some keyboard solos, and otherwise enjoyed himself.

There’s certainly an apparition of David Byrne behind all things Talking Heads, but Remain in Light didn’t need him. Adrian Belew, occasionally sang lead himself, and it’s well suited to TH’s songs without having to force a likeness. Moreover, he seemed to be having a great time, something that may not have been even permitted in his King Crimson days.

In addition to his signature flourishes and solos elsewhere, “I Zimbra” was a guitar standout, it’s impact obvious on Remain in Light and 80’s era King Crimson. Every kid with a guitar, an amp, an empty house a healthy dose of creativity should pay attention to his solos. Included was “Thela Hun Gingeet,” an unnecessary WTF anagram of “heat of the jungle.” Still, it ties a knot in the Eno, Fripp, Talking Heads, Belew sound of the era. A song occasionally covered by Les Claypool, it found an audience of dancing fans.

Cool Cool Cool took the music and made it a party, as the music deserved. The band has two female singers who handled backing vocals and lead at times, a great percussion/rhythm section, brass… Touring with eleven is likely costly, but they’re worth every dimension they bring to the set.