''Voice of Chunk'' is a 1988 album by

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a m ...

band

The Lounge Lizards The Lounge Lizards were an eclectic musical group founded by saxophonist John Lurie and his brother, pianist Evan Lurie, in 1978. Initially known for their ironic, tongue-in-cheek take on jazz, The Lounge Lizards eventually became a showcase f ...

. The album was produced independently by bandleader

John Lurie John Lurie (born December 14, 1952) is an American musician, painter, actor, director, and producer. He co-founded the Lounge Lizards jazz ensemble; has acted in 19 films, including ''Stranger than Paradise'' and '' Down by Law''; has composed ...

, following two releases with Island Records. After unsuccessfully shopping the album to several record labels, Lurie decided to hire a company to print copies of ''Voice of Chunk'' and sell it himself through

mail-order Mail order is the buying of goods or services by mail delivery. The buyer places an order for the desired products with the merchant through some remote methods such as: * Sending an order form in the mail * Placing a telephone call * Placing ...

, promoted with advertisements on television. He reports the album sold about 30,000 copies, a substantial sum for an independent jazz album, but promotional and sales costs were higher than anticipated so the album was not financially profitable. ''Voice of Chunk'' was later re-released on frontman

's record label Strange and Beautiful Music. The song "Uncle Jerry" was a tribute to Lurie's paternal uncle.

Track listing

All tracks composed by John Lurie; except where indicated #"Bob The Bob" #"Voice of Chunk" (John Lurie,

Erik Sanko Erik Sanko (born 27 September 1963) is a bass player from New York who has played in The Lounge Lizards and currently active in Skeleton Key. Biography In the past he also worked with notable musicians including Marc Ribot, John Cale, Yoko Ono, ...

) #"One Big Yes" #"The Hanging" #"Uncle Jerry" (John Lurie, Erik Sanko) #"A Paper Bag and the Sun" (John Lurie, Dougie Bowne,

Marc Ribot Marc Ribot (; born May 21, 1954) is an American guitarist and composer. His work has touched on many styles, including no wave, free jazz, rock, and Cuban music. Ribot is also known for collaborating with other musicians, most notably Tom Wai ...

) #"Tarantella" (music: Evan Lurie; lyrics: The Lounge Lizards) #"Bob The Bob Home" #"Sharks" #"Travel" (Evan Lurie)

Personnel

– alto and soprano saxophone * Evan Lurie – piano *

– guitar, trumpet *

Curtis Fowlkes Curtis Fowlkes (born March 19, 1950) is an American jazz trombonist and singer. He is a founding member of The Jazz Passengers. Career In 1987, Fowlkes started The Jazz Passengers with saxophonist Roy Nathanson. He has also been a member of ...

– trombone *

Roy Nathanson Roy Jay Nathanson (born May 17, 1951) is an American saxophonist, composer, bandleader, actor and teacher. He became the leader and principal composer of the Jazz Passengers, a six piece group that he founded with Curtis Fowlkes in 1987. They have ...

– alto and tenor saxophone *E.J. Rodriguez – percussion *

– bass *Dougie Bowne – drums

References

{{Authority control 1988 albums The Lounge Lizards albums