We've had a crush on Portland Cello Project for a while now, and am impressed by the fact that PCP (as it's known to fans) has repertoire of over 900 pieces--from classical works to jazz, hip-hop, and even death metal. The latest project is no less ambitious: performing Beck's Song Reader (20-song sheet-music only release through McSweeney's) live at Portland's Aladdin Theatre.
As PCP founder Doug Jenkins says of this sprawling collection, "Stylistically, these songs are as diverse as an Oregon weather report...whether you like or don't like what's happening at one moment, it will be completely different five minutes later."
Quickly recorded with numerous specials guests in three different studios across Portland, this album (available exclusively on iTunes) shows off Beck's collection as well as PCP's knack for making material its own. Special guests performing on the record include Jolie Holland, Lizzy Ellison and Patti King (Radiation City), Adam Shearer, Chanticleer, Nate Query (Decemberists), Daniel Hunt (AgesAndAges), Damon Boucher, Sam Howard, Brian Wright (Grand Hallway, Goldleaves), and Dave Depper.
In this set, Chanticleer lends his soulful voice to Beck's "Rough on Rats." The frontman for Magic Mouth (think indie rock with '60s elements), Chanticleer is also in another Portland band called Miracle Club. And we love his 21st-century blues. Check it out below:
