Is it jazz? Possibly folk? Maybe bluegrass? How 'bout rock? Three-part harmony?
The trio, Maggi, Pierce and E.J., straight out of Philadelphia, makes music that is absolutely out of this world. Their sound is so unique and striking, I could almost place a money-back guarantee on their latest disc, "Gold." (Maggi, Pierce and E.J. don't title their records, they use color names instead.)
In fact, the first impression of the 14-track disc is simple, elegant folk music.
But that illusion dies faster than a flower in winter when their disc is played through its entirety.
Although one song might stroke violin chords softer than a summer breeze, the next will be straight-out hillbilly, bluegrass fun. Some of the music on the album would put Etta James to rest.
Putting a finger on this band is like putting a finger on a ghost - impossible.
The easiest way to describe this impractical band is almost a cop- out. They're effortlessly classifiable as down-to-earth jams with an unfamiliar spin - they tackle every genre imaginable, and in the process, get funky.
But while calling them farmy and earthy makes sense for the more twangy tunes, the other half of the disc sounds sophisticated with a slew of jazz and songs sung in English, but with lyrics written in French.
The "Gold" album features trumpet, tuba, mandolin, musical saw, tabla, accordion, harmonica and violin. Oh, and of course, bass, guitar and drums. But isn't it nice to see a band that doesn't rely heavily on the basics of music?
One of the tracks that uses the band's funky instruments and genre-bending sound is "Coffee Song" - a jazzy tune with clever lyrics that convey a message of coffee loving, or maybe, something completely different.
The trio croons, "I like it best in the morning/Hot and wet/Sugar if you please/Give it to me in bed/Or maybe on the porch/Where the neighbors can see/I'm attracted to black/I like to add my own cream/Well, you give me the shakes/You fill me up inside."
Sounds a little sexy to this music critic.
Whether that was their intention or not, Maggi, Pierce and E.J. completely rock the boat with their classy, acoustic-strummed "Mr. Moon."
The song starts out with Maggi's sweet cooing, eventually matched with a hip bass line. But right when you think the track is just a happy acoustic song, in comes the DJ spinning some records and added percussion.
Like all of their songs, "Mr. Moon" takes us for an unexpected ride, worthy of a million play backs.
If you liked this band, you also might like: Seeing them live. Maggi, Pierce and E.J. will play today at Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing. Doors open at 9 p.m. and more information can be obtained at www.macsbar.com.
Suggested listening: Sitting at a coffee shop, sippin' a cup of joe and playing chess.
