RSSDecent records on three different labels failed to win fortune orrespect for Lurie, who instead became mildly famous starring inJim Jarmusch'sStranger in Paradise andDown by Law.But he proved he was no fake by sticking with music. The LoungeLizards Mark II featured second saxophonist Roy Nathanson, who combinedstraightforward jazz chops and sensibility with an instinct forLurie's strange notions of presentation. When two good-to-excellentalbums for Island also failed to break the band Stateside, Luriefound himself unable to convince another major label to give himwhat he deserved. So he releasedVoice of Chunk CD/cassette-onlyon a DIY label called 1-800-44CHUNK, which is what to dial on yourphone to purchase a copy.
So why doncha? This is the strongest music of Lurie's career, combiningthe old fake lounge sleaze with the avantish musicality he's alwaysaspired to. There's a tango and a Brechtian chorale and arty introsyou find yourself humming two days later, and Lurie's embouchurehas gained muscle. These days musicians who love jazz are hard-pressedto express their feelings without sounding reverent or received.Voice of Chunk does the trick. Anybody from downtown anywherewill recognize its sonic reality.
Playboy, Mar. 1990
 | Feb. 1990 | Apr. 1990 |  |