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Formed in 2003 by Joe 'Guido' Welsh & Steve Million to do a recording of Thelonious Monk songs like the old "Moog records" of the 60's & 70's. Their first release was 2003's "Yes, We Didn't".
Since they transformed Thelonious Monk’s music on their debut release, Thelonious Moog have changed the rules this time out and given such classics as “Take Five” (in 5, 6 & 7!) , “Tea For Two” and “I Got Rhythm” makeovers that can only be described as delightful and fun! American Standard is truly a whirlwind of styles with playful musical jokes at every turn.
The band peps up the cartoon track classic “Powerhouse” by Raymond Scott and it just flat out swings with percussive synth bravado and furious saxes blaring. They also render the equally cartoon-ish Frank Zappa gem “Duodenum” as a Spaghetti Western theme.
Imagine the Dutch prog/rock masterpiece “Hocus Pocus” by Focus as a Bossa Nova. Or perhaps as a swinging 60’s TV theme song. Can you hear it? Well, Thelonious Moog can and both versions are presented here! Woof!
Bent Fabric’s “Alley Cat” features a balloon solo. Yes. A Balloon solo.
The oft-recorded “Caravan” morfs into a raging surf groove from a psychotic Harmoni-Cats/S&M intro. OK, you have to hear it to get the references.
The first single for radio will be the Paul Desmond/Dave Brubeck Jazz Classic “Take 5, 6 &7”. That's right. "Take 5" in 5, 6 & 7/4 time.
Charter members Joe ‘Guido’ Welsh & Steve Million throw in their own “Have U Seen It Yet?” to complete what should be everyone’s new American Standard!
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