Eugene Chadbourne plays with many of the greatest improvisers all over the world, yet one thing remains endearingly constant about him: Despite his travels, he manages to remain forever a fanboy.
His reverence for Albert Ayler and Johnny Paycheck, to name two, are as steadfast as the fact that Jesse Helms' death did nothing to keep him out of Chadbourne's crosshairs. Frank Zappa has also been a steady presence in the Chadbourne book, which is why working with drummer Jimmy Carl Black (under the band name The Jack and Jim Show) has been so clearly inspiring to him.
We Don't Have That in the Home was recorded on a J&J tour of Japan in 2008, shortly before Black's death, making these the last recordings of the duo and likely Black's last in any setting. And as ever, Black brings out a different side of Chadbourne. His steady four-square — he makes Ringo look excessive — puts Chadbourne into a rock-and-blues box, bringing out the Merle Haggard, Muddy Waters and Deep Purple. Chadbourne doesn't sit easy all the time, however. He also pulls out some Rick James and Pharaoh Sanders, along with a surprise cameo by the Rake. But what makes the tribute fit is the versions of "Who the Hell is Sonny Black" and "More Pussy Than Zappa." Truth be told, there weren't many people flying Black's freak flag in recent years. Chadbourne's the man to pay tribute, and while another issuance may well come from Chadula, this last tour diary is a fine memorial.
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Kurt Gottschalk 2009-06-25
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